Search

Art and artistic activities that play a significant role in the lives of both children and adults are an important requirement for all individuals. Cultures develop, expand, and enrich through artistic activities, which are important for the development of visual literacy, especially in social studies. The present study aims to determine the reflection of various artistic branches in the social studies course and the student interest and love that art is considered to evoke in the context of the social studies course. In the study, qualitative research methods and techniques were used to review relevant documents and determine participant views about the role of art in social studies. First, the current Turkish social studies curricula and textbooks were analyzed. Then, an interview form developed by the authors was applied to 80 students attending all grades in a public middle school and 3 teachers employed in these schools in one of the major cities in Turkey. The attributes employed by the teachers and students in the interview form were analyzed with thematic and content analysis. The study findings demonstrated that the curricula and textbook achievements that allow activities in several art branches are limited. However, despite the limitations, the study findings demonstrated that the students were interested in different art branches and evidenced the support of social studies in the development of interest and love for certain learning areas. more...

Textbooks socialise and legitimise cultural norms, and therefore, learners' social worlds should find expression in their textbooks. In the study reported on here we examined how Grade 4 English First Additional Language and life skills textbooks reflected learner diversity in South African schools as manifested in their racial, gender, occupational, ability and geographical profiling in the textbooks. Content analysis was used to systematically identify instances of diversity representation in Grade 4 English First Additional Language and life skills textbooks. Quantitative content analysis accounted for the ubiquity of human characters' reflection in textbooks on the diversity variables in question. Qualitative analysis focused on the depiction of characters' gender roles. Quantitative data suggest that learners' social worlds were generally represented in the selected textbooks. However, males enjoyed greater visibility than females, and the visibility of disabled people was low. The 2 life skills and 1 English textbook portrayed both urban and rural settings. The qualitative analysis uncovered some gender stereotyping, where, for example, women were depicted in lower positions compared to men's high-paying vocations like judges, scientists, or doctors. Boys were depicted receiving prizes for their Matric achievements. Implications for publishers and writers commissioned to write textbooks include the need to consider representation of learner diversity in textbooks. The Department of Education should develop guidelines that promote such representation. more...

Coursebooks have become the most prominent English learning materials, especially in formal education. Therefore, recursive evaluation should be conducted to adjust the coursebook based on the current needs and learning goals. Moreover, dynamic evaluation brings interaction or mediation with a genuine act of teaching to make the evaluation more meaningful and substantial. However, limited resources are available, especially the ones that could help the teacher evaluate vivid steps dynamically. This study fulfills the need for a coursebook, especially ELT, evaluation method by following the research and development design proposed initially by Dick and Carey that many experts have simplified. The design was constructed from a sequence of steps, namely ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). Thirty participants conducted an evaluation phase based on the product trial evaluadesign, followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The data were gathered using a questionnaire and the interview guidelines. The instruments were developed based on the ideal coursebook criteria. They are shaped in quantitative and qualitative forms and analyzed using Creswell's data analysis technique. Thus, a set of evaluation methods was designed: SQRAR (Survey, Question, Read, Analyse, and Recommend). The design benefits the teachers by allowing them to evaluate the coursebook systematically and effectively. Survey results demonstrate strong consensus among English teachers, advocating for urgent development of such evaluation models. Implementation of the SQRAR model involves detailed stages emphasizing thorough evaluation and constructive feedback, with micro and macro evaluation options discussed. The model ensures comprehensive evaluation, consistency, and alignment with learning objectives and provides clear recommendations for coursebook improvement. more...

As global communication has become increasingly multicultural, there is an urgent need to understand cultural values as they are represented in textbooks for English language learners (ELLs) as well as to acknowledge these textbooks as cultural artifacts. During the last ten years, a plethora of studies have been carried out to investigate the cultural portrayals found within ELT textbooks. However, comprehensive research review of this issue has received scanty attention. To fill this void, this current study systematically reviewed the academic published literature on cultural representation in ELT textbooks from 2014 to 2023. This systematic literature review intended to identify prevailing research trends and key findings of the reviewed studies during this time frame. For this purpose, after applying the inclusive and exclusive criteria and full-text analysis, a total of 49 published articles in Scopus-indexed journals were reviewed and analyzed. By following the PRISMA (Moher et al., 2009) guidelines and thematic content analysis (Patton, 2015), we captured the research trends of the study and discussed the key findings. The highest percentage of published articles (n=10 or 20.4%) was recorded in 2022, and the most frequently employed study design was content analysis (n=22 or 44.89%). We also found that there was a significant imbalance in cultural representation found in both locally developed and internally distributed textbooks. Limitations and various recommendations are made for future research on the basis of the review. more...

In today's world, it is a fact that some people want the poor to be helped and some people want poverty to be eliminated. One way to narrow the gap between these two situations is to know what children need. The premise of this study is to evaluate the role of secondary school social studies textbooks in addressing poverty, unemployment and homelessness within the framework of critical pedagogy. In this context, secondary school social studies textbooks prepared by private publishers in Turkey were analysed. In the study, qualitative research method was used and structured approaches to document analyses were applied. As a result of the study, it is seen that the massacres and enslavement of indigenous people in the lands discovered by Europeans with geographical discoveries and colonial activities, and the labour of poor people in unfavourable conditions and the situation of child labourers with the industrial revolution are depicted. Again, it is observed that poverty, homelessness and unemployment come to the forefront due to various natural events, migration, terrorism and wars, and African origin and refugees are depicted as poor. The study reveals the importance of social studies textbooks in terms of illuminating disadvantaged situations, provides a different perspective in the context of critical pedagogy through micro, mezzo and macro analysis of functional definitions, and presents the points that are insufficient in addressing the definitions in question. more...

While open textbooks offer opportunities to enhance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), it is often seen as an afterthought in open textbook publishing processes. By examining existing literature, this paper dispels myths surrounding open textbooks and IDEA, including that openness does not equal inclusion, access or accessibility. This paper then explores issues of authoring privilege in open textbook publishing, before reviewing the diversity and inclusivity of open textbooks published at a regional Australian university. Using cultural relevance reviews from the Open Textbook Library, common themes emerged concerning IDEA in open textbook publishing. To address these themes, this paper then presents a case study, of how a librarian adapted a framework and created a guide on Enhancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) in Open Educational Resources (OER), to develop staff awareness and capability when creating open textbooks. The paper ends by discussing the development of the guide and reviewing the limitations and impact of the guide. more...

This narrative review examines the thematic content and evolution of information literacy textbooks published between 2005 and 2022. Analyzing sixteen textbooks, it explores two themes: the research process and conceptual foundations of information literacy. The research process theme highlights the procedural aspects of conducting library research, delineating the steps from topic selection to presentation. The conceptual foundations of IL theme reveals a discrepancy in how textbooks address the broader conceptual underpinnings of information literacy, particularly the context of a rapidly changing information society. This review highlights the focus on practical skills and the relative lack of discussions on broader contexts in which these skills are applied. The findings suggest a need for textbooks to provide a more comprehensive approach, integrating deeper conceptual understanding and critical awareness of how information systems operate within technological, societal, and political frameworks. This holistic perspective is crucial for preparing learners to navigate contemporary information challenges. more...

Studies relating to the vocabulary items within EFL textbooks have revealed a divergence from well-researched wordlists such as the New General Service List (NGSL) (Browne et al., 2013), and the BNC/COCA wordlist (Nakayama, 2022; Sun and Dang, 2020). In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) recently updated its course of study in 2019 to increase the target vocabulary for junior high school students from 1,200 words to a range between 1,600 and 1,800 words, in addition to the 600 to 700 words taught in elementary school. To analyze the content of the increased vocabulary for Japanese junior high school students, this study examined a corpus of six EFL textbooks from the "New Horizon" series: three elementary texts and three junior high school texts, (published between 2020 and 2021) using the new JACET8000 wordlist (2016), generating data pertaining to lexical coverage, in-corpus frequency, and in-corpus dispersion. It was found that 42.9% of the first 3,000 words from the JACET list were not found in the corpus, and 50.4% of the high-frequency words studied by junior high school students occurred less than two times within the corpus. Additionally, 35% of analyzed words were found to have a dispersion value of zero, indicating that several items were isolated into single units of study. Lastly, factors contributing to lexical difficulty of the textbooks were also examined. more...

This study aimed to develop a supplementary mathematics textbook on traditional game-based computational thinking for elementary school students. This textbook was developed using a research and development model consisting of five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE). The mathematical contexts of the textbook were based on four traditional Indonesian games integrated into four computational thinking skills: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. The supplementary mathematics textbook was developed and validated by experts in mathematics and culture. The textbook was tested with 20 fourth-grade students. The findings of this study indicated that the supplementary mathematics textbook of traditional game-based computational thinking has high usability as rated by students. The students gave positive feedback for use of the textbook in the classroom because of its connection to culture and games. Therefore, the study enriches learning materials on culturally integrated computational thinking skills for elementary school students. more...

In the 21st century, Indonesian education must generate life skills for dealing with the era of society 5.0. Bioentrepreneurship skills are one of those needed to achieve the primary goal of society 5.0. However, teaching modules that combine entrepreneurship skills still need to be improved. This research aims to produce project-based learning teaching modules on plant growth and development material to train valid and practical society 5.0 (bioentrepreneurship) era skills. This research used a 4D. The teaching module's validity was determined by the validation results of three experienced lecturers. The practicality of the teaching module was measured based on the results of the readability test. The results of the teaching module validity test obtained an average score of 3.8, which is very valid. The results of the practicality test are reviewed from the textbook readability test, which is categorized as level 12 with a practical category. The results showed that project-based learning teaching modules on plant growth and development material are valid and practical to train the skills of the era of society 5.0 (bioentrepreneurship). Society era 5.0 (bioentrepreneurship) skills students can be trained by integrating plant growth and development biology material with microgreens cultivation project activities in project-based learning modules. more...

Culture is an inseparable part of English Language Teaching (ELT), and ELT textbooks, as one of the main instructional resources are bound to include cultural and linguistic content. However, the kind of cultural content in these books has been a controversial issue for decades. It is recommended that curriculum designers use intercultural content, which represents different countries. However, it is repeatedly observed that the cultural contents in course books are mainly drawn from some specific countries where English is the first language. In this study, the authors investigated an English textbook series named "Touchstone" to determine the representativeness of the cultural content in those books based on Kachru's (1992) three concentric circles of countries in which the English language is spoken, namely the inner circle, the outer circle, and the expanding circle. Although the results were promising and a tendency to include expanding circle countries' cultures was found, the outer circle countries were yet culturally under-represented. The findings of this research can shed light on the intercultural representativeness of this particular series of textbooks and help raise English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers and learners' awareness of the cultural landscape of ELT textbooks. The findings would also benefit ELT materials developers who wish to produce course books with more internationally representative cultural content. more...

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the analysis performed on the way in which grammar is presented in an English coursebook created by the Ministry of Education of Colombia (MEN) to provide contextualized material to learners in public school settings. The evaluation criteria to evaluate the grammar were developed considering elements from different frameworks. The focus of the evaluation was selected based on the role that grammar plays in the teaching and learning process in the given context. The results show that the coursebook has a noticing approach to grammar and forms-focused discovery activities are assigned to the students, in terms of the linguistic forms that are presented, it was found that the students have a lower level considering the learning outcomes that learners are intended to achieve as part of national language policies. more...

This paper aims to investigate how and to what extent 'critical' global citizenship is reflected in middle school English textbooks in Korea. Framed within Freire's concept of critical literacy, the study is concerned with analyzing the written texts in two English textbooks, with a focus on the issue of representations. Using critical content analysis, the research centers on unpacking how race, racism, or racialization, especially in the United States, is represented, and to what extent these representations may be associated with global citizenship education in English language learning. The major findings indicate a notable absence of sufficient sociohistorical and cultural contexts of race in the United States as presented in the concerned English textbooks. Based on the analysis, this paper calls for an expansion of the dimensions of critical global citizenship in English language learning settings, aiming to provide students with broader opportunities to question colonial discourse and challenge issues related to power and systemic oppression. more...

The conception of functions, defined as the relationship between magnitudes or sets of ordered pairs, varies among students depending on the contextualization of the concept within the curriculum, notably in school textbooks. This investigation endeavors to scrutinize the approach taken by Indonesian textbooks in introducing the function concept at the lower secondary school level. An eighth-grade mathematics textbook was scrutinized utilizing praxeology, the fundamental construct of the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic. The analytical process unfolded in three main phases: examination of the praxis block, analysis of the logos block, and evaluation of the textbook's praxeological structure in collaboration with experts and educators. The examination revealed that the Indonesian textbook organizes functions into three distinct local praxeological frameworks: functions as sets, bijective functions, and functions as relationships between magnitudes. The praxis primarily emphasizes tasks and techniques for functions formulated by sets, shaping the landscape of function learning in Indonesia. Consequently, a notable epistemological gap within logos stems from the disparity between two conceptions of functions: functions as sets and analytical expressions. These findings underscore the necessity for an alternative praxeological arrangement of functions, mainly to bridge the divide between the set-theoretical definition and the analytical expression of a function. more...

English textbooks are the most pivotal learning materials in the EFL context. However, in Vietnam, English textbooks for general education are randomized by schools, which arouses a problem of whether they are equivalent for students to gain the same proficiency. This study attempts to report the differences in lexical demands and features, including length, sophistication, and diversity, of these textbooks. To this end, the researchers compiled a corpus of 54,566 tokens extracted from their listening transcripts. Results profiled by AntwordProfiler showed that 1,000, 2,000 to 3,000, and 3,000 to 4,000 word families in the BNC/COCA wordlist plus four supplementary lists of proper nouns (PNs), marginal words (MWs), transparent compounds (TCs), and acronyms were necessary to comprehend 85%, 95%, and 98% of listening in all the textbooks, correspondingly. Moreover, the results of pairwise comparisons run by Jamovi indicated significant differences in text length and lexical diversity between the textbooks but not in sophistication. In short, these grade-10 textbooks could support students in learning English vocabulary although they impede students from using them randomly. Hence, the study heightens the roles of teachers in the classroom and paves the way for researchers who are fond of vocabulary and English textbooks. more...

Contribution: Although a limited number of studies have compared textbooks used in introductory science courses (ISCs) and technical engineering courses (TECs), such a study has not been conducted regarding the Laplace transform (LT). The LT is one of the important topics that electrical engineering students learn as part of their undergraduate degree. It is instrumental in both ISCs (e.g., DEs) and TECs (e.g., signal processing (SP)). Background: Textbooks stand as one of the main resources for teaching and learning mathematics. Previous research has highlighted differences in how mathematical concepts are discussed in ISCs and TECs. These disparities might hinder students' opportunities to learn mathematics and identify the importance of mathematics in engineering. Intended Outcomes: The findings have the potential to increase awareness of mathematics and engineering instructors regarding the teaching and learning of the LT in ISCs and TECs. Additionally, it could result in the identification of several suggestions for textbook authors of DEs and SP, ultimately contributing to the improvement of engineering education for (electrical) engineering students. Application Design: This study uses the praxeological analysis rooted in the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic to analyze two textbooks. One is tailored for teaching and learning DEs, while the other addresses teaching and learning SP, a mandatory course for electrical engineering students in many countries. Findings: The findings indicate that there are several differences between the two textbooks, including differences in the purpose/motivation of presenting this topic and the definitions provided for the LT. more...

Mathematical modeling plays an important role in improving students' interests and attitudes in reasoning, communicating and solving problems. In order to understand modeling in the popular mathematics textbooks for primary schools in China, this study developed a modeling framework for K-12 mathematics textbooks, and used content analysis method to analyze China's current textbooks of primary mathematics in grades 3 to 6. The results showed that the samples follow a gradual development principle in terms of "content level,""appearing location," and "representation mode," but the scientificity of model content level needs to be enhanced. In the four stages of modeling, the contents for cultivating students' high-order thinking ability need to be further enriched. It is also suggested that more mathematical background knowledge should be covered in future textbook compilations. more...

Islamic university students in Indonesia must improve disaster literacy by developing science-Islamic integrated disaster geography textbooks. This study aims to determine the appropriateness of science-Islamic integrated disaster geography textbooks and the effect of using them on students' learning outcomes. The Dick and Carey model was used in this development. The product was validated by experts in material, design, and the integration of Islamic science and tested on students and lecturers on a limited basis. The experiment subjects were 27 Social Science Education students from Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. Instruments are in the form of a questionnaire to determine the appropriateness of the book and test questions to determine the effect of book products on learning outcomes. Data were analyzed descriptively and using an independent sample t-test. The results showed that science-Islamic integrated disaster geography textbooks were appropriate for use in learning with an effective category (appropriateness score = 81.08%). The use of science-Islamic integrated disaster geography textbooks affected students' learning outcomes (p=0.000) < [alpha]=0.05). Further research suggests developing digital books on other materials because the Islamic science integration curriculum has been proven to improve students' learning. more...

Following a brief historical review of the second language teaching profession's relationship with first- and second-year textbooks, this article examines the treatment of language practice activities as found in beginning post-secondary French eBooks, as well as their accompanying electronic workbooks and online learning platform practice. Using Aski's 2003 typology, five post-secondary eBooks and accompanying electronic practice are reviewed in order to examine their use of mechanical drills, meaningful drills, communicative drills, and communicative practice. Two structures were targeted for review across all formats. Electronic workbook and learning platform practice was found to be both more mechanical in nature and more drill-focused than what has been recommended in the literature. Electronic workbook and online learning platform practice was also found to be more mechanical than the corresponding eBook activities. more...

Textbooks have a fundamental role in English Language Teaching (ELT) classes; they can provide valid, valuable, and self-regulated sources for both learners and teachers. ELT textbook evaluation is essential for language learning and teaching. Accordingly, evaluating and assessing textbooks has a crucial role in confirming if they satisfy the needs of students, teachers, administrators, textbook publishers, and curriculum developers. In this regard, this article elaborates on textbook evaluation, then briefly overviews the various approaches toward evaluating ELT textbooks and material from the perspective of McDonough et al. (2013), Richards (2014), and Tomlinson (2013). Additionally, this article introduces criteria for material evaluation and it demonstrates how criteria can be established for evaluating English language textbooks. more...

The aim of the study is to determine the extent to which the root values were included in the middle school mathematics textbooks that were recommended in the 2018 middle school mathematics curriculum by Ministry of National Education (MoNE). In this study, mathematics textbooks were assumed to be an important material in terms of development of students' intention to use root values. The data were collected from ten mathematics textbooks, including two fifth grade, three sixth grade, two seventh grade, and three eighth grades, recommended by MoNE for use in middle schools in the 2019-2020 academic year. A basic qualitative research design was used in the study. To analyze the data a content analysis process was implemented. As a result, it was found that while the values of friendship, self-control, responsibility, patriotism, and benevolence were used in the textbooks in detail and with their first meanings, there was not enough content about the values of justice, honesty, respect, and love and these values were being used differently from their first meanings. It is recommended that the content involving root values should be distributed more homogeneously to the grade levels and values should be used with their first meaning in mathematics textbooks. In addition, there should be more specific information in mathematics textbooks about how to integrate root values into a mathematics classroom. more...

The social semiotic analysis in this study aims to: (1) reveal what multicultural values are found in ELT textbooks for ninth-grade learners; (2) explain how the texts and the images in the analyzed textbooks present multicultural values; and (3) uncover how social semiotics dimensions can decode multicultural values. This study finds that among four multicultural values discovered in the textbooks, responsibility to the world community has the most frequent appearance while respect for human dignity and universal human rights has the least frequent appearance. Those values are presented denotatively and connotatively through texts, images, and texts-images. Based on the findings, textbook authors are recommended to include more content and add learning activities that facilitate discussions and reflections on multiculturalism. In addition, this research suggests that English teachers who use these textbooks add learning activities that enable students to discuss multicultural values since, in this study, multicultural values are mainly presented connotatively. more...

This study seeks to identify the gaps in literature textbooks related to high school cultural and literary instruction. To meet this goal, we performed a thorough study with instructors from high schools in seven different regions of Kosovo. Our research methodology included distributing questionnaires to teachers and students in high school social science and vocational programs. The information acquired through these surveys was carefully evaluated using statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics for response description and inferential statistics for identifying significant differences among the groups. Our sample included around 200 students and 70 teachers, each given tailored questionnaires developed for their specific roles within the high school context. The findings highlight the critical need for novel changes and updates to literature textbooks to reflect the changing landscape of Kosovo's education system properly. Furthermore, our findings highlight the critical need to constantly examine and analyze textbooks to guarantee conformity with ever-changing instructional programs. Some educators argue that developing students' communication skills mainly depends on their innate tendencies and personal motivations, with additional reading being a key factor, rather than solely relying on the specific content of literary units presented in textbooks. However, it is vital to note significant differences among teachers' beliefs. As a result, relevant authorities must accept the valuable ideas made by teachers and, to some extent, students while developing new literature works. This is especially true when selecting specific literary units, avoiding presenting several instructional units from a single author, and effectively using time. more...

At the end of high school in Chile, it is expected that students achieve a B1 English language proficiency level. In the present article, we measure the level of readability of the texts used in the new EFL Chilean textbook and compare it with the readability level of the texts used in the Cambridge B1 preliminary exam to check its appropriacy. The results reveal that, even though the classic readability indices show a similar level of difficulty in the texts, the index RDL2, which is specific for second language learning, shows that there is a statistically significant difference. This finding indicates that the texts in the Chilean EFL textbook are more difficult to read than the ones students are supposed to read. Implications at a local and international level are then shared. more...

The objective of textbook study is to create high-quality textbooks. Analysis was done using a praxeological-didactical analysis (PDA) method. PDA offers space to analyze curriculum materials, such as math textbooks, which are the outcome of human action in the anthropology of a specific nation's society. There are 10 types of tasks given in the mathematics textbook on measurement of spatial figures and seven techniques are identified as possible ways to complete the tasks. The justification of praxis is that there are three emerging technologies and two theories that are used as the final direction of the given task type. There is a sequence of task composition at the start with loads at level 2 and level 3 that can affect student readiness. Psychologically, it is regarded as difficult at first, which can lead to students becoming disinterested as well as bored, thus experiencing difficulties, creating ontogenetic obstacles. The other predicted learning obstacles identified in this textbook are epistemological and didactic obstacles. All the findings from this analysis can be applied to continuously raise the standard of the currently available mathematics textbooks. more...

The objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of the social class representations in visual materials utilized in the English language textbook at the 9th-grade level during the 2022-2023 academic year in Turkiye. Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, data were obtained through the documentation method by scrutinizing visual content - encompassing images, drawings, and photographs - contained in the 9thgrade English language textbook published by the Ministry of National Education in 2022. The analytical framework to discern the social class representations in the visual content of the textbooks was drawn from Cunningsworth's (1995) approach. Social class depictions in the relevant textbook were analyzed searching for evidence of the presence of the following class related identities: governing/governed, worker/employer, oppressor/oppressed, impoverished/affluent, rural/urban, skilled/unskilled, unemployed/unemployed/jobless, homeowner/tenant/homeless, migrant/refugee, and the wealth levels of nations. The goal was to demonstrate social inequalities and class distinctions through these criteria. The findings of the research revealed qualitative examples of social inequality and imbalance within the visual materials of the textbook. The representation of social classes in the examined textbook predominantly reflects the images and values of the middle class. The visual depictions of social class tend to feature professions representing the upper and middle social classes, with a notable absence of occupations associated with the lower social class. In light of these outcomes, it is suggested that in addition to presenting an ideal social life for students, textbooks should incorporate visuals that authentically portray social classes and relationships. more...

So far, students still survive using one source that they consider relevant. Thus it is necessary to have an up to date book developed from the results of the research. The research aims to produce procedures in examining potential of learning resources; to test the quality of APSB book; and to find out the effectiveness of the operationalization of APSB book. This development research uses a 4-D model (define, design, development, & disseminate). Preliminary testing was conducted on 12 students and field tests were conducted on 20 students. Product testing was carried out on 5 experts and product assessment by 21 students. Data collection techniques with documentation, questionnaires, and tests. Data analysis techniques were carried out in quantitative descriptive. The results show that: (1) the procedure for analyzing potential of learning resources consists of 5 stages: analyzing curriculum, determining material characteristics; ensure the relevance of the method; determine characteristics of students; and ensuring potential learning resources; (2) the quality of APSB book is based on expert's assessment of material aspects, presentation, and language, which is obtained as a good category, while display aspect is obtained very well. The results of student assessment of material aspects, presentation, and language were obtained very good categories, while display aspects were obtained good categories; and (3) the effectiveness operation of APSB book is indicated by an increase in the ability of student learning outcomes. The results of this study that the developed APSB book can be used as a reference in formulating potential learning resources from the research results. more...

The study aimed to analyze lexical items underpinned in the textbooks used in the current teaching of ESP and GE. Using content analysis, a systematic evaluation of texts to examine nuances to bridge the gap between quantitative and qualitative data. This was such of importance, however, difficult to study due to issues of interest like in the study, frequency of lexical items in ESP, and GE textbooks. Results found 13,713 lexical items in Hospitality Management, 17,561 in Criminology, 4576 in Tourism, 7167 in Marine Engineering, and 512 in Information Technology. Furthermore, the overall percentage of ESP lexical items fell in Tier 2 (with multiple-meaning while the least was in Tier 3, specifically on context-specific vocabulary. It is the core of vocabulary learning to ensure English language teaching. It is its goal to help learners better understand language, allowing them to understand others as they want to express themselves as well. This applies not only in speaking but also in writing and reading. Wilkins (1972, p. 111-112) stated that without grammar very little understanding can be acquired and without vocabulary there can be no learning at all. Thus, even without good grammar, so long as you equipped with useful words and expression, one can still manage to communicate. Lewis (1993) argued that "lexis is the heart of language" and that it develops a better fluency and expression in English. He also added the significance to the learners of acquiring a more productive vocabulary knowledge, also, their eagerness to develop their own personal vocabulary strategies. Thus, a proposed bridge model program was recommended to highlight the study findings using the lexicons found from the different respective courses. more...

This study aimed to reveal the extent to which the role of women has been included in the development of society in the national and civic education textbooks for the higher basic stage from the viewpoint of teachers in Al-Salt. The study population consisted of (115) public school teachers of the Directorate of Education of Al-Salt in AL-Balqa Governorate, and those who study the subject of national and civic education for the higher basic stage in the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The study concluded that there is a moderate degree of inclusion of the role of women in community development in the national and civic education textbooks for the higher basic stage from the teachers' point of view, where the overall average of the answers was (2.97) in general. As for the dimensions, it was found that they all came with an average degree as well. The results showed that there are no statistically significant differences at the level of ([alpha] = 0.05) in the responses by the study sample individuals towards the extent to which the role of women is included in the development of society and the degree of addressing the difficulties that women face in order to exercise their role in development of society in the national and civic education textbooks for the higher basic stage from the teachers' point of view. more...

Content and accuracy evaluation of textbooks is important as it provides quality assurance to both teachers and learners, especially in the new normal where modular instruction is used. This research aimed at evaluating the biology textbooks used by Senior High School STEM Science teachers (n=15) in content, presentation, and learning strategies. Content analysis and Collaizzi's descriptive phenomenology approach were employed in this study. The results showed that all evaluated textbooks have unique, distinct content, presentation, and learning strategies. Most topics were also aligned with the minimum curriculum requirement for SHS STEM, but topics such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and control checkpoints were not discussed in some books. Learning outcomes were not indicated in some books, and few textbooks did not reach synthesis and evaluation level. However, a comparative approach of cell division across the 5-kingdom system is observed but not explained well, and some misleading statements in the cell division mechanism were present. Considering that cell division precedes the discussion of cancer cell division and metastasis, content enrichment through learner-friendly visuals and diagrams is recommended to facilitate learning, improve retention, and avoid misconceptions. more...

Aim of this study was to examine the end-of-unit evaluation questions in the 6th Grade Science book of primary education according to the knowledge and cognitive process dimensions of the Revised Bloom Taxonomy. For that purpose, 130 end-of-unit evaluation questions of 6th grade Science textbooks which were approved by the Board of Education and Discipline in Ministry of National Education of Republic of Turkey. The evaluation was performed with document analysis with considering knowledge and cognitive process dimensions of the Revised Bloom Taxonomy. Data of this study were obtained with document analysis which classified as qualitatively research method. Accessing documents, checking authenticity, understanding documents, analyzing and using data steps were performed. Analyzed questions were categorized according to previously published studies of experts, and according to the criteria of "Taxonomy for learning, teaching and Assessing" book written by Anderson et al which is published in 2001 and translated into Turkish by Ozcelik in 2010. Ratio and frequencies were used to reach results. When the unit evaluation questions of the 6th Grade Science Textbook are evaluated according to the cognitive level of the Revised Bloom Taxonomy, it is observed that 60 of the 130 questions are belong to remembering level. When these questions are evaluated according to the knowledge dimension it is observed that 60 of 130 questions are belong to factual knowledge. When the 6th grade units are evaluated as a whole, it's possible to observe that majority of the questions are belong to subcognitive knowledge level. These questions can be considered as factual knowledge level when evaluated according to Revised Bloom's Taxonomy. As a conclusion, it is suggested that the sub-cognitive and metacognitive questions according to the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy should be served equally at unit-end-up questions of the 6th grade of primary school Ministry of National Education approved book. more...

This paper investigates the historical context, internal content, and educational significance of Higher Arithmetic, a 1919 mathematics text by David Eugene Smith and George Wentworth, which has been insufficiently studied. Through historical and content analysis, this study reveals the authors' intention to provide a review and extension of knowledge in a modern context of post-World War I industrial United States, intended for both students and pre-service teachers who need thorough teacher preparedness. Although Higher Arithmetic may not be well- recognized today, its progressive intentions for teacher training and the modernization of material remain goals that are as important today as in Smith and Wentworth's time. more...

To advance ongoing efforts to diversify the healthcare field and promote inclusion in physiology education, the present study investigates the potential for an evidence-based intervention, Scientist Spotlight assignments, to highlight counterstereotypical representations of scientists in the context of majors and nonmajors physiology courses. Undergraduate students at an emerging Hispanic serving R1 institution completed six Scientist Spotlights assignments in their physiology courses. We conducted semistructured interviews and disseminated an established pre- and postsurvey protocol at the beginning and end of the courses. Our findings from interviews with 31 students from a range of marginalized backgrounds revealed that 1) the biographical information about counterstereotypical scientists deeply resonated with students by humanizing science, 2) the instructor's implementation of the assignments made a meaningful difference in their feelings of inclusion, and 3) the assignments supported students' beliefs about their content learning and understanding of physiological concepts. The results from the survey showed that regardless of being in a major (n = 159) or nonmajor (n = 117) course, students from a range of demographic groups can and do significantly shift in their relatability to and descriptions of scientists. We highlight implications for inclusive curricula like Scientist Spotlights for addressing the issue of representation in physiology textbooks, curriculum, and healthcare fields at large. more...

Contemporary educational reform discourses in Taiwan call for the modernization of education to meet the needs of society of the 21st century. The principles and rules of 'reason' that historically order educational discourses can't be taken for granted. This article uses Popkewitz's notion of alchemy to think about the principles. The notions of democracy and globalization provide the analytic 'tools' to consider the processes of translation from political programs to educational reform discourses. It is argued that ironically the translation models of educational reform require a particular epistemological structuring of agency, but while recognizing how it does not produce harmony of what is being told in political programs. Three ways of thinking about the alchemy of political in educational reform discourses are offered. It then turns to the delineation of the changing role of teachers, students, and the textbooks that mapped the 'modern' child in educational reform discourses. The apparent paradox that evidences the limits of current discourses about democracy and globalization, then, has a critical reflection. more...

Context: Adopting diverse perspectives is increasingly important for athletic trainers (ATs) to provide care that fosters inclusion for all patients. Despite the NATA's commitment to diversity, NATA membership remains approximately 80% White. Additionally, although ATs work with people from ethnically diverse backgrounds with unique body expression and body-size characteristics, it is unknown whether athletic training textbooks represent this diversity. Objective: To investigate diversity characteristics of images including patients and clinicians within athletic training textbooks. Design: Cross-sectional study. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty percent (n = 15) of athletic training and health care textbooks included on the Board of Certification reference list were selected. Twenty percent of chapters from those textbooks were then randomly selected for inclusion. Main Outcome Measure(s): Descriptive statistics were calculated for person (athlete, nonathlete, clinician), setting (athletic venue, clinic, physician office, other), and demographic categories (perceived skin tone, race/ethnicity, age, gender, body size, body expression). Chi-square tests of goodness of fit were performed to determine significant differences between categories, and [chi-squared] tests of independence were performed to determine differences across person type and category and across textbook domain and category. Results: One thousand six hundred sixty-seven people were assessed from 1190 images. Images depicted statistically more persons with light skin tone (86%) assumed to be White (86%), young adults (75%) of average weight (95%), with no body expression diversity (95%). There were no major differences in subject characteristic majorities across person type or textbook domain. Conclusions: Like other health care professions, a lack of image diversity was demonstrated within athletic training textbooks. To better recruit diverse students to the athletic training profession, and to prepare professional students to provide culturally competent and patient-centered care, these resources should better represent the diversity of ATs and their patients. more...

This study examines international and intercultural issues in the English for Palestine textbook series, specifically evaluating intercultural comparisons, mutual representations, and relations in terms of their effectiveness in enhancing students' cross-cultural communication skills. The examination of the textbooks employed a qualitative methodology, enriched by the inclusion of quantitative components. The findings show that the textbooks under investigation comprise an insufficient and inadequate amount of international and intercultural issues, consisting of celebratory topics of surface culture with very little attention paid to conflictive aspects of deep culture. This study is a reminder of the importance of appropriate intercultural components in developing students' critical thinking skills and minimizing intercultural misunderstandings. Hence, it aims to sensitize stakeholders and teachers to the potential losses associated with poor representations of international and intercultural issues in English teaching textbooks. Consequently, it urges them to take action by either amending the textbooks or using supplementary material to compensate for the identified lapses. more...

STEM (Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology) education has widely been considered to have the potential to prepare students with 21st-century skills. Though the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) is concerned with developing human resources for the 21st-century, STEM education has not yet achieved a strong position in the national curriculum system. This study aims to provide a guideline to the GoB to take necessary steps to integrate STEM initiatives aligned with the current science and mathematics curriculum. Adopting a literature survey on the integrated STEM approach, document analysis (primary math and science curriculum, textbook, and teachers' guide of grade 3, 4, and 5) and semi-structured interviews of the primary mathematics teachers, head teachers, STEM experts and curriculum developers of Bangladesh, a framework of integrated STEM approach for primary level has been developed. Besides, the study identified some chapters from science and mathematics textbooks where there are some scopes to integrate the STEM approach and also developed some STEM activities for grade 3, 4, and 5 as future guidelines to the practitioners. This study contributes to the field of STEM-focused primary education in the context of Bangladesh by offering practical guidelines for academic institutions, curriculum developers, teachers' trainers, and policy makers of the country. more...

English language is one of the mostly used languages across the world for communication as well as academic purpose. English subject is taught as compulsory from primary to bachelor level in Pakistan. Textbook is used as a teaching and learning resource for teaching English. Evaluation of textbooks remains a pertinent task in curriculum studies. The present study was aimed at evaluating the grade VIII English textbook used in public sector schools of Punjab (Pakistan). A mixed methods approach was used to seek perceptions of 24 teachers and 240 students about the textbook on specifically designed instruments of interview and close-ended questionnaires, respectively. Thematic analysis for interviews and descriptive analysis for questionnaire were carried out on the data. Key findings included positive remarks on some of the aspects of the textbooks and few suggestions on improving the textbook on a few aspects regarding making the content interesting through including topics consisting of daily use and creative activities. Study presents results and recommendations for policy makers to incorporate in revised versions of the textbook. more...

This research critically examines the multifaceted role of English as a foreign language (EFL) coursebooks beyond mere language learning objectives. Specifically, the study focuses on how these coursebooks often project universal cultural values that, though seemingly bland, can perpetuate power dynamics leading to various forms of inequality. Drawing on a qualitative methodology that amalgamates socio-semiotic analysis and critical visual literacy, the investigation scrutinizes the portrayal of indigenous peoples within 12 EFL coursebooks used in state-run and subsidized schools across Chile. Furthermore, the research explores the viewpoints and attitudes of seven EFL teachers towards the visual representations of indigenous peoples compared to non-indigenous individuals depicted in the same coursebooks. The findings suggest that indigenous peoples are often depicted as stereotypical remnants of the past, oversimplifying their intricate cultural attributes and presenting them as disconnected from contemporary society. Moreover, the study identifies the failure of coursebook publishers in acknowledging the richness and diversity of indigenous cultures, thereby perpetuating cultural stereotypes and contributing to the process of otherising, which reinforces a sense of separation between the majority ("us") and the indigenous minority ("them"). more...

In this study, we analyzed how scientific terms such as principle, law and theory are depicted in Chemistry textbooks used by students in Singapore. There are very few reports in the science or chemistry education literature that explicitly explore the term principle, although all three terms appear in a number of topics in the high school chemistry curricula. The textbooks' definitions for the three terms were compared with key canonical attributes constituting these general terms. Findings indicate that most of the textbooks did not provide generic definitions of the three terms, and a number of attributes were also not apparent in the specific definitions of the three terms (except for principle). The relationship between laws and theories in textbooks was explored for three exemplars, and this provided useful insights. It is suggested that textbook authors, supported by curriculum developers and teachers, devote more attention to highlighting the relationships and distinctions among the three scientific terms. This can help students cultivate a better understanding of these terms, thus potentially leading to improved overall understanding of the nature of science. more...

This research aims to evaluate Nursing One; a textbook endorsed to teach medical English to premedical students at Umm-Al-Qura University. The study is quite significant as it attempts to check the suitability of this book for premedical students who are assumed to be taught the proper language that qualifies them to study medicine through an English medium. So, the study's central question asks about the appropriateness of Nursing One for the target students in terms of its subject, content, and layout. The researcher obtained data via a checklist given to (25) teachers and a series of interviews arranged with (12) students. The collected data are analyzed quantitively, and the results reveal that the participants (teachers and students) are pretty satisfied with most aspects of Nursing One . More specifically, it is revealed that most subjects acknowledge that the content, layout, design, and presentation of Nursing One are appropriate. They admit that the book is adequately organized, and its topics are selected carefully to cater to the students' academic and professional needs. These results have led the researcher to conclude that Nursing One is a suitable textbook for premedical students at Umm-Al-Qura University. The research recommends that all E.S.P. textbooks be rigorously assessed and evaluated before being endorsed to be taught in classrooms. more...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the continuity of reading passages of Korean high school English textbooks with the 2015 Revised National Curriculum using CohMetrix, a software that analyzes English texts in a range of linguistic features. Twentyone English textbooks were analyzed: 11 High School English, five High School English I, and five High School English II. Only reading passages in textbooks were analyzed. Coh-Metrix indices related to basic counts, lexical features, syntactic features, cohesion, and readability were analyzed. Results revealed significant differences between High School English and High School English I and II, but no such differences exist between High School English I and II. This study implies that continuity of reading difficulty in terms of lexical, syntactic, and readability characteristics among High School English, English I, and English II textbooks should be considered. more...

In normative multilingual ESL/EFL contexts like India, non-dominant cultural and ethnic representations are absent or superficially represented in English textbooks. For learners from linguistically disadvantaged groups, English has to be negotiated through an unfamiliar dominant language. In this article, I argue that appropriate inclusivity self-checks at the predevelopment stage of materials preparation can contribute effectively to the development of culturally responsive English language teaching materials. Using the Steinhardt NYU Metro Center's Culturally Responsive Curriculum Scorecard and the Fairness, Bias, and Cultural-Responsiveness Checklist of the Centre for Collaborative Education, Indiana University, I examine whether, and to what extent, a set of state-mandated English textbooks reflect culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogy as a response to the English language needs of multilingual, multicultural learners in India. The study shows that by using appropriate self-check rubrics, textbook developers can identify sites of diversity-blindness or lack of cultural responsiveness, and design materials with inclusive cultural representations. more...

Achieving the competence to reflect on the degree of suitability of textbooks is not easy, so it is necessary to train prospective professionals in the knowledge and use of analytical tools to guide them in critically analyzing these curricular materials. In response to this research problem, this paper describes and analyses the implementation of a training intervention that aims to promote reflective competence in prospective Costa Rican teachers through the analysis of textbook lessons. The content of proportionality is chosen because of its central in the curriculum. The training activity was motivating for the participants and helped them to progress in the competence of lesson analysis. However, it is noted that the design needs to be improved in terms of time dedication, as well as attention to the necessary didactical-mathematical background knowledge on proportionality to achieve better results. more...

This study seeks to offer a comparative analysis of the History of Mathematics (HoM) elements identified in the secondary school mathematics textbooks of different countries. Drawing on document analysis method, this study analyzes the secondary school mathematics textbooks of Turkey, Singapore, Ireland and Canada. The HoM elements in the textbooks are examined in terms of famous mathematicians they present, civilization they are related to, content type, associated learning area and whereabouts they are inserted in the text. This study concludes that the textbooks of Ireland present the highest number of HoM elements quantitatively, and Ireland is followed by Turkey, Singapore and Canada, respectively. The most mentioned mathematicians in the HoM elements are Al-Khwarizmi and Pythagoras; further, the most mentioned civilization is Ancient Egypt. Further, Singapore and Canada prioritize discussion-project whereas Ireland and Turkey focus on history of concepts. Moreover, Turkey, Ireland and Canada present the highest number of HoM elements in the learning area of geometry and measurement. Singapore has the highest number of HoM elements in the area of numbers and operations. This study reveals that the countries do not sufficiently incorporate HoM into their textbooks. The countries with relatively higher number of HoM elements like Ireland use HoM for motivational purposes, rather than for teaching purposes. more...

The use of teacher's guidebooks, which were prepared to assist teachers based on the curriculum implemented within the framework of the constructivist model, was discontinued in the 2018-2019 academic year. This study was based on a case study and prepared to examine the teacher's guidebooks that were removed from the curriculum in the 2018-2019 academic year. The study group consists of 20 teachers who work in Siirt and have at least 5 years of experience in public schools. The data were collected with a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher and the content analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data. The research findings revealed that most of the teachers felt the lack of guidebooks and could not perform their learning-teaching strategies in a healthy way after the removal of the guidebooks, listening education, which is one of the basic language skills, was largely neglected and the implementation of the guidebooks by the Ministry of Education would be beneficial in the education and training process. more...

Guided by the analytical framework in the current literature, whereby ten nature of science (NOS) aspects were targeted, this study aims at assessing the extent to which the three physics textbooks for Cycle 4 of Fundamental Schools in Burundi represent the NOS aspects. The quantitative embedded research design which combines the qualitative and quantitative to both the representations of text and images were applied to collect and analyses data. Three physics textbooks used in this study as textbooks I, II and III (grade 7 textbook, grade 8 textbook and grade 9 textbook) were purposively selected. 65 physics lessons were analyzed in three steps including exploring representations of NOS aspects, representations of NOS teaching approaches and accuracy and completeness of NOS aspects. Data were collected using a guide document analysis and a rubric of NOS scoring and were analysed descriptively. The findings found a considerable deficit of NOS aspects in the physics textbooks. The findings also revealed the critical situation where the few lessons poorly represent the NOS aspects and the majority of them do not include the aspects of NOS. Furthermore, this study suggests the in-charge of quality assurance to evaluate and deliberate on the accuracy and completeness of physics textbooks for Cycle 4 of Fundamental Education in Burundi. more...

In South Korea, education is no longer a place for learning, but a base for preparing ideological warriors, due to left-wing ideology education and fervent and conscientious teachers' union and strong left-leaning media. Since left-wing president Moon took office in 2017, omnidirectional "leftization" of education is ongoing in society. According to Prof. Chul-hong Kim, the current left-leaning "authorized" textbook system strenuously inculcates students with the appropriateness of materialistic historical views. A high school student engaged in the protest against the campaign of "state-designated" textbooks says at a press interview, "I'm a proletarian class. It's only the proletarian revolution that can change our social structure and its fundamental contradiction." For reference, there are three kinds of textbooks: (1) state-designated textbook published by state (so, its copyright belongs to state), (2) authorized textbook published by private publishing companies, on the condition of passing through the government screening system (inviting criticism for its "poor screening"), (3) free-published textbook left entirely to the private sector without any state intervention. Prologue The second authorized textbook system is a "compromise" plan between state-led and privately-led textbooks. The main motive for adopting authorized textbooks (from previous state-designated textbooks) was to introduce "diversity of views and opinions" in Korean education, but a conservative journalist Gap-je Cho concluded - from analyzing 14 authorized history textbooks - that "promoting educational diversity" by authorized textbook system ended in failure. Because a great majority of left-wing professors and teachers take part in writing historical textbooks on the basis of Marxist class struggle theory: that is, Koreanized "popular view of history" or populism-based historical perspective (language characters omitted). These authorized textbooks are adopted by almost 99% of high schools across the country. Moreover, they tend to implant one "monolithic" idea (historical materialism) in the consciousness of young students. According to Cho, the authorized textbook system mired in controversy is degraded into a "certificate" of antistate, pro-communist education, in place of diversity. more...

A textbook is of a proper medium for conveying curricular values to students. The aim of this study is to examine how math textbooks reflect the core values stated in the curriculum. Selected by homogeneous sampling technique, the data sources of this qualitative study consisted of two (one official and one private) fifth-grade math textbooks. All elements (e.g., text, visuals, exercises, questions) in the textbooks were analyzed through content analysis technique, employing the core values as a preliminary outline. Findings revealed that the both textbooks included all the core values in the curriculum with varying frequencies across values. The most frequently reflected values were patriotism and responsibility while the least was honesty. The values of friendship, patience, justice, love, helpfulness, and respect were represented in moderate frequencies in both textbooks. The frequencies of representations regarding values were mostly parallel in official and private publications. Teachers must play a complementary role for the underrepresented values during teaching. more...