Textbook Critique

Critiquing, or examining a textbook before the start of a class has many advantages.  It can give you a general idea of the book’s structure and contents.  It can show you ways the text can help you learn about the topic.  You may learn where the course is headed by recognizing key elements of the topic and understanding the author’s purpose.  By examining your textbooks, you can become familiar with the text’s content, structure and possible study aids.  This familiarity will help you when you begin tackling chapters in the text.

What to Examine:

I.  Title Page

                A.  The complete title and subtitle reveal the subject matter and the author’s perspective.

                B.  The author’s name and any biographical information, such as academic degrees and university affiliations can help you decide whether the author is an expert in that field.

II.  Copyright Page

                A.  Note the date of publication.  Current ideas and trends are very important in some courses.

III.  Preface, Introduction, Forward or Abstract

                A.  This is where the author will probable explain their reasons for writing the text, their approaches to the topic and their expectations for readers.

                B.  Learn text’s purpose and ultimate goal.

IV.  Study Aids

                A.  Study aids can help in a class, especially if students know they are present ahead of time.

                B.  Some types of study aids are:

                                -Lists of charts, graphs, maps, or illustrations

                                -Index

                                -Glossary

                                -Bibliography

                                -Appendix

V.  Table of Contents

                A.  This outlines the text for you.

                B.  Provides information on what material is covered.

                C.  Tells what order the information is in.

VI.  Contents of each Chapter

                A.  Some texts have helpful sections such as:

                                -Review Questions

                                -Chapter Summaries

                                -Chapter Objectives

                                -Charts, Graphs, Tables, Pictures, and other visual aids

                                -A List of Key Terms or a Chapter Glossary

                                -Exercises or Activities

VII.  Overall Evaluation

                A.  Is the material understandable?

                B.  Is there enough information?

                C.  Is there too much information?

Examine your textbook for every class.  In what ways is the text a good text?  In what ways is it a bad text?