How to Use A Textbook


Math textbooks are different...

Image result for math textbook

In Chapter 6 of Subjects Matter, Daniels and Zemelman provide many tips and tricks on how to use a textbook effectively in the classroom. However, what I found most useful about this chapter in regards to these strategies was the excerpt on how math textbooks are different. It gave math teachers the benefit of the doubt regarding the difficulty of reading a math textbook compared to the textbooks in other content areas. However, it did not exclude math teachers from using the strategies in Subjects Matter. In fact, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards confirm that "into-through-and-beyond reading strategies are one key to helping students think mathematically" (p. 189).  Out of the six activities described that allow for a textbook to be used more effectively, I think the most beneficial for the math content area is Activity 3: the Guide-o-Rama Study Guide. Math textbooks can be hard to read because it is hard for a student to distinguish what it important for the solving of problems and what it important for conceptual understanding. By guiding them through the text as they read, they can have an idea of what information they need to absorb for different parts of the class, therefore making the textbook reading experience more beneficial for all. 
Word Count: 212 

Comments

  1. HaleySeptember 18, 2019 at 9:01 PM

    I completely agree with the usefulness of Activity 3. The Guide-o-Rama study guide is a resource I am personally excited to use with my future students. I relate this resource/tool to guided notes, however, guided notes never gave me the material or understanding that I needed; it was just fill in the blank. A template is something that could have helped me immensely as a student; it is also something that is going to be a staple in my future classroom.

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