Textbook Analysis: the American Journey

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 needs to include methods of assessing the students learning both formally and accurately in each chapter. A quality social studies textbook requires some photos with captions, charts or graphic organizers, vocabulary listings, review questions and some strategies for better reading comprehension of the material in the social studies textbook. Let us begin by looking at the definition of social studies.
Social studies defined by Merriam-Webster as: a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of a society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology (Merriam-Webster, 2011). According to the above definition of social studies, The American Journey by Joyce Appleby, Ph.D., Alan Brinkley, and James M. McPherson, Ph.D. covers all seven content areas in the social studies definition. These subjects listed as themes to teach students how to study history in the social studies textbook. The themes in the book are Culture and Traditions, Continuity and Change, Geography and History, Individual Action, Groups and Institutions, Government and Democracy, Science and Technology, Economic factors, Global... [continues]

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