Textbook elements and styles provide structure to aid in learning. Openers, closers, and integrated pedagogical devices set textbooks apart from other books.
| Chapter Openers |
- overviews (previews)
- introductions
- outlines (text, bullets, or graphics)
- focus questions (knowledge and comprehension questions)
- learning goals/objectives / outcomes / competencies / skills
- case problem
- In addition, one may use the “special features” used inside chapters, e.g., vignettes, photos, quotations…
|
| Integrated Pedagogical Devices Throughout |
- emphasis (boldface) of words
- marginalia that summarizes paragraphs
- lists that highlight main points
- summary tables and graphics
- cross-references that link backward (or sometimes forward) to important concepts
- markers to identify embedded subjects (e.g., an “external” term used and that needs explanation)
- study and review questions
- pedagogical illustrations (concepts rendered graphically)
- tips (to make sure that the learner doesn’t get caught in misconceptions or procedural errors)
- reminders (e.g., make sure that something that was previously introduced is remembered)
- case studies
- problem descriptions
- debates and reflections
- profiles (case descriptions)
- primary sources and data
- models
|
| Chapter Closers |
- conclusions and summaries (may include diagrams)
- list of definitions
- reference boxes (e.g., computer instructions)
- review questions
- self-assessment (usually simple quizzes)
- small exercises
- substantial exercises and problem cases
- fill-in tables (for “learning-in-action” books) to prepare a real-world task
- ideas for projects (academic or real world)
- bibliographies and links (that can be annotated)
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Resources
Want this as a handout? Here’s the table in MS Word: Textbook Elements.docx
Attribution
