This assignment is about evaluating school’s textbook. My group selects the English Year 4 textbook of KBSR (Kurikulum Bersepadu Sekolah Rendah). There are 4 areas that should be analyzed for the textbook, which include organization, content, physical aspect, and teachers editions but for this analysis we ignore the teachers editions part. In our opinion, we find that there is inappropriate arrangement in this textbook for the age of pupils Year 4.
Firstly, we evaluate the organization criteria of the textbook to ensure whether contents of the textbook are organize perfectly. As our view, this textbook provides a good useful table of contents and index, but it doesn’t put glossary. The table of contents doesn’t show a logical arrangement and development of subject, where the table of contents tend to make year 4 student a bit confuse. For example, Index in Unit 1, topic ‘Getting To Know You’ and Index in Unit 5, topic ‘Looking Good’, where by using those phrases make students can’t imagine what it is means. Besides that, there is no uniformity in appearance and content layout throughout the book within each chapter because used only one type of colour. Then, contents don’t mention any references, bibliographies and other resources, so students can’t understand the subject better. The chapters do provide introduction and summaries that are clear and comprehensive, and all the pages re numbered, so this will make learning process become easier.
Secondly, contents of the textbook are evaluated. The contents meet the local and national standards. Furthermore, it contains questions and quizzes at end-of-lesson, the lessons linked to other subject areas such as Science, Math and History. Activities and exercises stated in the contents also have appeal to students’ abilities and interest. Interactive games are included which will make improvement of students’ mind. However, there are some weaknesses in contents area such that we state below. Most of the contents are not accurate and not up-to-date. The textbook last printed was in year 2004. Then, in Unit 9 topic ‘Malaysian and Neighbour’, new flag of Wilayah Persekutuan and Wilayah Labuan not stated there. Furthermore, contents aren’t supported by other textbooks, unclear explanation on passages, and more grammatical errors. A few sentences and words aren’t appropriate for intended age group because those only suitable for student of higher level. Minority of topics aren’t get age-appropriate reading level because repeating some contents from Year 2 and 3 and also there is lack of informative subject. Some lessons are discouraged to higher-level thinking for Year 4 students because there is no reflection to their mind. Therefore, in our opinion, this textbook can’t used for several years because contents should be corrected and put in improvement information.
Thirdly, from physical aspect evaluation, the textbook is too heavy and big. This is a burden for students. The textbook’s size is 26cm length x 21cm width and 1cm thick. We think that, the size should be reduce around 2cm. Furthermore, this textbook is not durable, easy torn, and cover page is dull because a formal picture put on that. This will not attract students’ interest for study. Font and style used are suitable, which is Atlanta Roman typeface and 14/16 point typesize. Illustration, tables, figures inside it are provide appropriate representation of age, ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic level, and show different types of character, behavior, gender and ritual. An additional, simple explanation also stated there to make students can recognize and differentiate every term.
In conclusion, nowadays every student need effective textbook for their learning process. Even though there are many types of reference books but textbooks are important for students and teachers too. Instructors should have proper arrangement when to produce a new textbook. We suggest that teachers must gain knowledge on creativity creating textbook to make sure students get all messages and information. Therefore, by using sophisticated technology, a teacher can become a good instructor.
GROUP MEMBER : 1.Noraziratul Shma Binti Ali
2.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
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