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Asia-Pacific Forum on Science
Learning and Teaching, Volume 5, Issue 1, Article 3(Apr., 2004) Tan Kim Chwee, Daniel and Chan Kim Seng An analysis of two textbooks on the topic of intermolecular forces
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Asia-Pacific Forum on Science
Learning and Teaching, Volume 5, Issue 1, Article 3(Apr., 2004) Tan Kim Chwee, Daniel and Chan Kim Seng An analysis of two textbooks on the topic of intermolecular forces
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Conclusion
“…the use of textbooks will only enhance learning if teachers use them with an awareness of the ideas that they are likely to promote. Textbooks should be used selectively to suit the approach and contexts that are of relevance to the course, as expressed in the course objectives. Accordingly, the objectives of a science course should not simply indicate what topics or concepts are dealt with but also the type of understanding to be developed.”
Dall’Alba et al. (1993, p. 634).
It is important that the teacher uses textbooks appropriately to meet the learning objectives required by the local educational system. He/She must be aware that certain topics or concepts may not be adequately discussed in textbooks, especially if the textbooks were not specifically written for the local context, as in the case of this study. The teacher needs to identify the concepts which are not sufficiently elaborated in the textbooks and discuss them with his/her students. He/She also needs to be aware of any problematic statements and illustrations. Thus, teachers need to analyse textbooks carefully before using the textbooks so that they can be more aware of the difficulties that students may face when reading the textbooks, and attend to these areas by careful elaboration and integration of concepts in their lessons.
Copyright (C) 2004 HKIEd APFSLT. Volume 5, Issue 1, Article 3 (Apr., 2004). All Rights Reserved.
