Textbooks
So what really consitutes a textbook? Does it have to have an ISBN number? What is the source it needs to come from?
Lavetta,
Good way to deliver content that is current and easier to follow. This will help to keep the students engaged in the material.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dicran,
For my field I prepare handouts that reflect the latest methodologies and use them to supplement the textbook. This way my students can gain the foundation information they need in the text and I can delivery through lectures, activities and handouts the latest accepted practice in the field. I feel very good about this method because I know I am giving my students the knowledge they need to be successful in the field even when their text is outdated.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Many times I incorporate handouts from other textbooks when the main text is hard to follow. Or, I research the Internet to see what is out there from reputable sights.
Since I teach graphic design, and been in the industry for over 20 yrs., it's been difficult to follow the methodology in some of the textbooks provided. Any suggestions?
Biftu,
I also think supplemental material keeps the interest of students at a higher level because they look forward to receiving the additional information as they start a new unit.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gary,
I agree with your statment. Eventhough I haven't used supplemental packets much, using supplemental packets not only keeps the information current, but also gives additional information or detail to subject matter.
Crystal,
You made a valid point about having fewer textbooks in the classrooms, but I believe some students aren’t willing to give up the textbooks specially the older students. For example, I’m teaching a course and 50% of my students refused to sign-up an electronic version of the course textbook and they insisted on having a text book or they will drop the course. So, what would you say to these students?
Brandon,
Good point. Feast on but with small bites.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Robert,
I really appreciate your comments about textbooks. As both the writer of and consumer of textbooks you are correct. The electronic version with those immediate corrections or additions are going to change the way we use and value textbooks over the next few years for sure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, Gary.
I learned that early in education. It's how we eat and how we process information. And the different perspectives of absorbing information is easier to adapt in smaller bits than large bits.
Since time began, textbooks have been out of date by the time it rolls off the printer. Some fields are more subject to this than others. I am in the field of medicine and what was true five minutes ago is not now! It is the main problem with text books. I spend a lot of time correcting the textbooks in order to give the students our current level of misunderstanding. I have made such corrections in the beginning of the course and before midterm it has changed again. We laugh and keep on going! I look forward to the time, coming very soon, that text books will all be online and can be corrected daily if necessary!
Crystal,
We are in a constant stage of change in education. With technology and different learning models we are seeing a dramatic shift in the availability of learning and the use of different formats and deliveries. This is why we need to work hard at keeping current in our field as well as best practices in teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lavetta,
Many of us instructors provide additional resources for the reason you cite about the textbooks selected for your course. I provide a resource packet to my students that I redo every year so I make sure to provide the latest best practices to my students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that going more electronic we will have less "textbooks" with ISBN#. So what will we contitute as a textbook then. Now I see many learn by a other means of information and what teaches is a "textbook"
For me this is difficult. I teach computer software classes and the text books we use could be written much better. They are more for elementary. So, I use some other materials and myitlabs are good in some ways.
Brandon,
You make a good point about how students need to be able to segment the material and break it down into manageable sections. By integrating information from three different sources you and your students have different perspectives and sources from which to chose content and knowledge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm younger in teaching, but I think I have a good response.
Right now, I'm teaching a course with various types of "textbooks". One is made for teaching students. One is made almost like a commercial presentation, and the last one is like an industry manual.
These variations, aligned with my course objectives give me the true meaning of good course text. How the student encounters the book alone and how they learn it with an instructor is key. There needs to be an understanding to break down the material, no matter it's laid out. The best texts are aware the different uses and cater to diverse objectives.
Brian,
I use supplemental packets in my classes for the reasons you state. The packets let me add or take out material each time the course is taught thus I can keep my materials more current than the text book being used.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As A student, I remember several excellent experiences where the course content was delivered from a packet of information assembled by the instructor. sometimes as the entire text and sometimes as a supplement to a formal text book provided for the course
