What is Textbooks?
Why does an instructor use a textbook? It provides a reference for students and an outline of the material that will be covered throughout the course. Research has indicated that a major influence on student learning is the text; research also suggests that the text has a greater impact than the instructor . Therefore, choosing a textbook or reading materials can be a critical component of teaching a course. Before choosing a textbook, check with the department chair or other faculty members. Some departments may have a policy that dictates the textbook to be used, especially when multiple sections are taught by various faculty members. If a textbook has not been pre-determined, the following guidelines can assist with choosing a textbook or reading materials for a course. Many publishing companies (e.g., Wiley & Sons and Prentice Hall) send free sample textbooks (i.e., desk copies) for an instructor to review.
These companies can be contacted through sales representatives who are often available at conferences or through their respective websites. After reviewing sample textbooks, check with peers within the department to get their input and recommendations. When choosing a textbook (or reading material), the most critical question to consider is whether or not it fits with the course objectives . An instructor should also evaluate a textbook based on the readability, organization, cost, visual appeal, relevancy, and currency. If the reading level is too easy, it will not maintain the students’ attention; yet if it is too difficult, it will frustrate students. It has been recommended that introductory textbooks be equivalent to a ninth or tenth grade reading level .
This is the level of reading of most magazines and newspapers. Along with readability is the organization of the book. A well organized book allows students to see how the information is outlined, and they can easily identify the major concepts. If the students have to spend a lot of time understanding the format or outline, they will have less time for applications. As tuition increases, students are more price-conscious. If a textbook is too costly, some students may elect to not purchase it or try to share with other classmates, which could hinder their ability to complete assignments. Textbooks that are visually appealing with color charts and pictures can motivate and stimulate students to learn more about the topic. Relevant and up-to-date information is also important in stimulating students’ desire to learn more.
If the textbook offers examples that students are likely to face in the workplace and information that is current, they are more likely to be interested in the subject. Based on the difficulty of finding one textbook that meets all these criteria, course packets and customized textbooks are becoming more common. Course packets can provide more timely information and several view points , which can motivate students to think about topics in different ways. Customized textbooks allow an instructor to choose chapters from different books and have them bound together as one book.
The advantage of this option is that students will Tips for Teaching Assistants and New Instructors get information from various sources without having to purchase several books. The availability of so many textbooks makes choosing one arduous. However, by consulting peers and using trial-and-error methods, choosing a textbook will hopefully become easier with experience. An instructor who desires to improve will continuously make changes to his/her syllabus and always seek out the textbook that best fits his/her course. This drive for professional development is what makes successful instructors
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