Textbook Selection Activity

Textbook selection can be a difficult task for teachers. They often fall into the trap of using “popular” textbooks, or textbooks that have been used by years in the district. If the opportunity presents itself, teachers should select a textbook for use with great care. Adopt textbooks with as many of the following traits as possible. Chose the textbook that:

  1. is at the appropriate level with regard to student ability and mathematical competency.
  2. possesses a conceptual orientation in both the narrative and the questions following the narrative section.
  3. takes a constructivist approach and that includes due consideration for alternative conceptions (pre-conceptions, misconceptions).
    sustains inquiry.
  4. takes into account the learning cycle.
  5. emphasizes authentic problem solving in addition to traditional “puzzle” solving.
  6. shows applications of use, including technological applications.
  7. promotes use of intellectual process skills such as the following approaches: observing, communicating, estimating, measuring, collecting data, classifying, inferring, predicting, making models, interpreting data, making graphs, hypothesizing, controlling variables, defining operationally, and investigating.
  8. that avoids a dogmatic approach to science; that is, presents empirical evidence to support claims.
  9. emphasizes questions over answers
  10. emphasizes depth of coverage rather than breadth of coverage. Avoid the encyclopedia of physics.
  11. explains the nature of science.
  12. is scientifically and historically accurate.
  13. includes history in order to put a human face on science.
  14. pays due regard to cultural and gender equity, especially in its historical examples (where appropriate) and in its pictures.
  15. avoids the use of fragmented narrative and too much “eye candy.”
  16. has the appropriate reading level.
  17. is interesting to students.
  18. meets the needs of the student in relation to the nature of the course.
  19. associated teacher materials are consistent with constructivist approaches, including alternative assessments.
  20. is inclusive of gender and exceptionalities in tone and appearance.

The PTE program maintains a batch of high school physics textbooks in its resource center. Compare (note how they are similar) and contrast (note how they are different) the two textbooks given you, and be prepared to give a report on your finding noting your preferred textbook.