Module Four in Kellough and Carjuzza's textbook discusses how to select appropriate content and create objectives. I found the most beneficial part of this module to be the discussion regarding the use of textbooks. Textbooks are important because they provide students with basic content. They also help teachers find content that should be emphasized, as well as suggestions, activities, and resources for furthering student learning. The problem behind the textbook is that many teachers get "too" comfortable, using it as the only resource in the class. It is important as secondary teachers that we bring to the table more than class textbook. Using one textbook often hurts the learning environment. Students aren't exposed to outside opinions and left to rely on publisher's opinions. These books are also very general and may not discuss everything that you hope to teach your class. Before using an textbook it is important to evaluate it appropriately based on your curriculum and your students. It is also important to teach children how to use their textbooks. They should be able to locate the Table of Contents, the Index, Appendixes, Glossary of Terms, Summaries, etc. It is wrong to assume that your students already know.
Another big thing brought up in this chapter is using other printed materials. In addition to your textbook, you should also include various trade books, charts, online resources, primary document- newspaper articles, documents, etc.
Attached I've included a Checklist for evaluating Textbooks from Kane's book Literacy and Learning In the Content Areas. This checklist could be used when trying to compare textbooks for your future classrooms.
From Literacy & Learning in the Content Areas, Third Edition, by Sharon Kane. Copyright © 2011 by Holcomb Hathaway, Publishers, Scottsdale, AZ.
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