ST.

THOMAS TRAINING COLLEGE

MUKKOLAKKAL


ASSIGNMENT
EDU 09 : THEORETICAL BASES OF NATURAL SCIENCE
EDUCATION PART II
2013-2014


SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
Mrs.Asasindhu S S SIMI S NAIR
Lecturer in natural science REG NO:
STTC, Mukkolakkal NATURAL SCIENCE OPTIONAL
STTC, Mukkolakkal







QUALITIES
OF A GOOD
SCIENCE TEXT BOOK



INTRODUCTION
Text books are the most frequently used learning
support material. The science text book is one of the main aids in the
teaching learning process. Text book is an economical device for
teachers and students as it gives direction and saves time and energy.
The text book should stimulate reflective thinking and cultivate
students, scientific attitude.
The quality of a text book can be defined as fitness for
purpose. According to this definition the quality of a science text book
is indicated by its ability to support the learner and teacher in attaining
the goals of science education.
FUNCTIONS OF A SCIENCE TEXT BOOK
The following functions of text books in its support of
students in their learning.
motivate students to learn
represe4nts information
guide students to acquire knowledge
facilitate value education
represent subject knowledge
provide visual representation of phenomena/apparatus
provide exercise and application opportunities
facilitate self assessment
stimulate metacognition
help pupil in doing home assignments
give information about the past discoveries and some trilling
experiences made by science

OBJECTIVES OF SCIENCE TEXT BOOKS
1. To help to develop correct understanding of basic concepts and
principles of science
2. To give information about the past discoveries and some of
thrilling experience made by the scientist
3. To acquaint the student with the wide variety of application of the
scientific knowledge through exercises
4. To help the students for systematic and speedy revision of the
lesson they have finished
5. To develop scientific attitude among students.
6. To develop personality of the children, open mindedness,
appreciate the nature etc.
7. To acquaint with the wide variety of application of the scientific
knowledge through proper exercise
CHARACTERISTIC OF A GOOD SCIENCE TEXT

Authorship
Only such persons who have experience of teaching the
subject should be allowed to become authors of school science
text books. Such authors can understand actual learning
situations. Certain qualification may also be prescribed for the
authors. It will be better if some training is given to them.

Mechanical features of the text books

The paper, the binding, the print and type of letters
should be attractive. The size of the print, spacing and the
length of the lines should correspond to the visual capacity of
the pupils so as to facilitate easy learning. The quantity and
quality of illustrations need consideration. Science text books
should be well illustrated with diagrams sketches,
photographs etc. Diagrams should be carefully drawn
accurate and attractive. Photographs should be clearly
reproduced. Illustrations should amplify the material printed
on the same page.

The subject matter-its nature and organization

The subject matter should cover the whole syllabus
The subject matter should be developed in
psychological sequence
There should be consistency of subject matter
There should be a central theme correlating the
content of the text book as a whole
The paper printing and binding should be attractive
Each unit should begin with an introduction and end
with a summary.
At the end of each unit there should be assignments
conforming to the following
>application to life situations
>self assessment test
>suggestion for experiment and projects
>assignments for practicing skills
>numerical questions, if necessary
>suggestions for further reading
It should suggest some good methods of learning
Historical development of science should be added
The social significance of science should be stressed
There should be a detailed table of contents and index
Controversial topics should be treated impartially
Headings and sub headings should be in bold type
Important principles should be set in italics
It must be supplemented by a teachers hand book.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF SCIENCE TEXT BOOKS
Louise F. Vogel developed an evaluation scale called
Vogels score card that may be guide for selecting science text book.
The major criteria suggested are grouped under 10 major headings.
1. Qualifications of author
2. Organization
3. Content
4. Presentation of materials
5. Accuracy
6. Readability
7. Adaptability
8. Teaching aids
9. Illustrations
10. Appearance.





CONCLUSION
Thus the science text books should stimulate reflective
thinking and cultivate in students, the scientific attitude. The teacher
teaches the students on the basis of text books. The text books help the
teacher and the taught to get acquainted with the limits and
boundaries. A good text book is one that enables learner to achieve the
intended learning outcomes.

REFERENCE
Dr. Bhatnagar A.B, Dr. Bhatnagar. S .S (2005),Teaching of science.4
th

edition
Yadav .K.(2004). Teaching of life science.
Dr. sivarajan. K , prof. Fazaludin. A.(2008).Science education
methodology of teaching,6
th
edition