Textbooks
I like to read through each activity in the textbook before deciding for certian on which ones I would like ot utilize in class.
Alfons,
This approach benefits the students in that they know you know the contents of the required text plus you know that it is not current or accurate. By providing them with handouts that are accurate and current you are demonstrating to them they are being given content that is essential for the field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Our school also requires the lectures to be based off of certain textbooks, most of which is pretty good but sometimes I come across an entire chapter that could cause confusion for students that's when I ask them to skip the chapter & either use handouts or online material which is approved by a few of our instructors.
Hi Marian,
I prepare handouts to support the textbook that shows what is done in the industry. I use them as supplemental teaching tools and they work very well. This way the students get the most accurate and up to date information while still using the textbook for foundational knowledge.
Gary
The school I teach at also requires our lessons to be based off of textbooks, however sometimes the written methods do not reflect what is done outside in the industry. How do you address these discrepancies?
Ditto. It is predetermined which texbooks we will use for our classes. I have petitioned to change a textbook which for one class, but due to our corporate structure, the request must go through a chain of command, and finally to a Board who then makes a decision which will effect 20+ schools. It is definitely a work in progress.
Hi Dale,
It is so disappointing when you have to correct the textbooks. We instructors shouldn't have to check the texts for accuracy but we do. This is why I have developed a supplemental packet of current information that I use with my students so I know they are getting information that will help them in the field.
Gary
I am disappointed with the accuracy of textbook answers. I review all material and test bank answers to make sure the material is correct. Don't the publishers review their answers. I used a text book for practical nursing that insisted that the sympathetic nervous system slowed the heart rate.
Hi Richard,
How do you adapt your instruction to support the textbooks that were chosen for you? Often we instructors are faced with this situation so we are always on the lookout for strategies that will make the textbooks work for us.
Gary
Our school also has to use the textbooks that our corp. chooses for us to use.
Hi Daniel,
What has been your biggest challenges either way? Either with a given text or one you selected. For many instructors selecting and using a text is a real challenge so the more information we can share with each other about this process the easier this process can become. Thanks.
Gary
Hi Brandon,
This is a good way to make the required material your own in small ways. By knowing what examples you want to use you can pull upon your own life experiences to share which helps you customize the instruction to your students.
Gary
I've taught at schools that give you the text, and others that let you choose.
We have required matrial and are not allowed to pick and choose but this idea still applies. I want to read through the material before hand and think about what examples I may used based on what I read.
At our school we are given the textbook we have to use.
