When the text book is wrong
How does everyone handle incorrect information in the classroom. Sure, there are bound to be errors in the text book at some point BUT how do we explain the wrong info in the text and in the tests?
I find it hard to be credible when the students text books are incorrect, though all other refernce material that the teachers only have access to has the correct information.
The textbook is wrong? Sounds like a teachable moment for the class to research for accuracy.
One of the issues I discuss in a extended library instruction session is evaluation of sources. In discussing evaluation of sources, I talk with my students about evaluating the objectivity of sources and the accuracy of sources, etc., and have talked with students about the fact that instructors will use the same criteria to evaluate their work. When a mistake is found in a textbook, it is an opportunity to take the time to discuss a possible political motivation for the author/publisher to include inaccurate or questionable information; or to discuss the importance of proofreading papers; or to discuss the importance of determining the accuracy of their resources. I once had a roommate who reminded me that mistakes can be your friend, and in the case of a mistake in a textbook, it can be a great opportunity for a teaching moment.
I think the key is: explain WHY the error is an error and why your info is correct. If you can explain WHY something is an error, it should give you credibility by demonstrating your expertise.
I do the same and it has happened recently - I think the best thing to do, when the others' suggestions do not apply to one's own situation, is to state the error confidently to the students and give the correct info - I have also explained WHY the error is an error. That alone gives some credibility because I think the tendency today is just accept out of hand whatever might be in print! I've had also an error that took a couple of days of head scratching to figure out why the particular info was included and what the author was really trying to say. When that was deduced it became fairly easy to explain the error or the misdirection of info.
When I find errors, I provide students with the correct information and a corroborating source they can check on their own.
Loved the idea of the explaination along with the funny note!!!
Hi Caitlyn,
This also shows the students that they need to check their facts when they are in the field. One can never relax and assume that the field will remain static.
Gary
I teach an Evolution of Fashion class. On several occasions I have found the dates in the book to be incorrect. My students seem to enjoy it when I point out to them that the book is incorrect. I also believe that it is good to point out any mistakes in the text because it shows the student that you familiar with the text.
I also plan to show by example. Our programs have a few items that differ from industry, but we are not allowed to vary the info because the info is on the test. We are allowed to give our opinion post testing to show the student that there are always different ways of approaching the same goals.
Hi Eric,
Good way of showing your students that they need to review carefully content they are studying. If the textbook is not clear or not accurate they get to see that they can secure information from other sources to reinforce what they need to know.
Gary
I have had several instances this last quarter where I have been confronted with text book issues that may not be totally wrong, but certainly are not clear and precise where it could make a big difference to the students' understanding. In that case, I simply added to the information or corrected the wording. This provided clarity as to how to something was constructed, as well as left them with clarity on what I would expect to see when tested.
Hi Marcia,
With textbook publishers being pushed by technology as to whether textbooks will continue to be a part of teaching in the future you would think they would try to bring a better quality product to the consumers but sadly many are not. This is why it is so important for instructors to review and point out any errors or misstated facts that are included in the textbooks. I use a supplemental handout to give the latest and most accurate information when I cover that section in the text.
Gary
I have been told that publishers are not hiring qualified people to edit books. I have no idea of that is true, but I have certainly been running into a number of editing errors in texts recently. One ongoing situation is finding style guides for writing that adhere to the latest changes in academic style. It is often necessary to supplement texts.
Hi Paul,
Great way to use these oversights as teachable moments. This helps the students to get information down in their minds even better since they are having it reinforced to them in relation to what is and is not correct.
Gary
One of my textbook has a couple of errors. Oversights really, but it would really trip up a student who was trying to learn the material on their own. I try to use these as examples and point out that even the professionals are still learning things about the material.
I note that the text is incorrect and illustrate the way to the correct result. I find that this can help the student gain a deeper understanding of the material.
Hi Louise,
Good point about how to handle mistakes and I like your quote that you share with your students. It sets a light tone and lets you move on with the class.
Gary
One of the easiest ways to explain errors is if there has been a change in law, policy, etc. that has made the information incorrect, outdated or obsolete. Students appreciate that you have taken the time to check the text and provide them with the most up to date and correct information.
I also always joke with my students, "we all make mistakes, that is why pencils have erasers".
I have had that happen and it really is frustrating! But most students appreciate the fact that the instructor maybe more knowledgeable than the book based on "true" experiences.
If there is a mistake in one of the textbooks I think the best way to handle this is to show it as an example to the students so they know what to look for on there own.This will help them develop skills and learn to be very careful with mistakes.After all mistakes could have consequences that they should be prepared for.
