TEXTBOOK ANALYSIS: THE AMERICAN JOURNEY

Textbook Analysis
The American Journey
Michele C. Bennett
Grand Canyon University: EED 465
January 22, 2011

Textbook Analysis: The American Journey Before using a social studies textbook, a deep analysis of its contents will be required. How the book covers the topics in comparison to the definition of, social studies bring forth the relevance of the book in effective planning and instruction. Whether or not the book conveys separate classroom activities for class participation and a chance to form a deeper understanding of the lesson is desirable. Furthermore, the book should integrate other subjects such as writing to incorporate a deeper interest in social studies. The textbook …show more content…

In the area of assessments, the formal format of checking for vocabulary comprehension, an understanding of the themes used, the ability to transfer the data learned into graphic organizers, the use of critical thinking skills to relate cause and effect of an issue, and being able to analyze the chapter lesson with the assistance of visuals properly assessed. Each section of the chapters contained in a unit assessed and provides for teacher student interactions to determine the level of comprehension. The final assessment in the book for each chapter involves summary, terms, facts, critical thinking, geography and history activity, practicing skills, technology activity, citizenship cooperative activity, economics activity, and an alternative assessment involving a portfolio writing activity (Appleby, Brinkley, and McPherson, 2005, p. 34-35). Each social studies teacher has his or her own assessments for gauging the level of understanding for each student. ‘Assessment procedures must be meaningful to students in order to produce valid, useful information. Assessment that is relevant to students' personal experiences is likely to motivate students to perform as well as possible’ (Gronlund, N.E., 1985). Opportunities for content reading strategies and deeper comprehension exist in the various online study tools, online research, and the online interactive student edition of the textbook. Features also included in this book are Fact, Fiction, and Folklore,