Guiding Principles for Quality Textbooks

Content
Accuracy and relevancy of data/information
Balance of depth and breadth
Appropriate level of difficulty
Presence of multiple perspective
Absence of biased information/discrimination
Inclusion of suggested references to facilitate consolidation and self-
directed learning
Learning & teaching
Development of cognitive skills of all levels, especially higher-order thinking
skills
Motivating students’ learning
Learning & teaching
 Development of cognitive skills of all levels, especially higher-order thinking skills
 Motivating students’ learning
 Fostering positive values and attitudes
 Clarity of instructions

Structure & Organization

 Logical organization of content
 Use of contents and titles/heading/outline
 Appropriate use of overviews, summaries and a student’s guide to facilitate learning
LANGUAGE
 Coherence of texts
 Use of familiar and interesting language
 Accuracy of language used

TEXTBOOK LAYOUT (for printed textbooks only)

 Logical and consistent layout with appropriate use of space and
margin for ease in reading
 Illustrations facilitate students’ learning
 Appropriate print font size and type
Guidelines for Using Textbooks
1. Textbooks should meet students’ need. A textbook should be in the
student’s level of understanding so that they will be comfortable in
using them.
2. Direct student’s reading by using objectives and/or questions.
3. Emphasize the use of visuals in textbooks. Visuals enhance
student’s interest and comprehension.
4. Refer to the teacher’s guide for supplementary materials and
activities. Most textbooks nowadays have an accompanying CD-
ROM’s as add-ons.
5. Supplement the textbooks with other media. Textbooks can be
used together with other media such as audio and visual media.
 Suggested approaches that will help the teachers meet the
diverse needs of the students
1. Reading Aloud. Reading aloud to students provides an enjoyable and
shared experience. When teachers read aloud, books should be read
expressively and interestingly.

2. Shared Reading. It is an approach where the teacher and the class

read the books together. There are four part to a successful shared
reading session: introducing the book, reading the book,
discussing the book, and reflecting on the session.

3. Guided Reading. Involves helping students to read for themselves.

The goal of guided reading is to teach students to use reading strategies
independently so that they can read new material successfully and be
able to discuss them critically