Textbook Thinking

During my school days, I rarely read a textbook thoroughly unless there was a clearly assigned assignment. Many educators believe that students should study textbooks independently, but contemporary learning offers a variety of methods. Textbooks should no longer serve as the sole basis but as supplementary resources with a clear purpose. As a teacher, my first goal is to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. I recognize that textbooks have a profound impact on shaping students' perceptions and experiences, and therefore am committed to taking an informed approach to textbook selection. The readings demonstrate how the language, imagery, and design of the textbook will impact students' connections to mathematics, their peers, and the wider world. By filtering textbooks based on my goals and course objectives, I can cultivate active and empowering study guides for my students. I need to value the importance of materials that not only teach mathematical content effectively but also resonate with different learning styles and backgrounds, ensuring that every student feels recognized, valued and motivated to learn.