Textbook Analysis

Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................2

Use of textbooks in classroom......................................................................................3

Best way of teaching mathematics concepts..................................................................4

Analysis of the textbook...............................................................................................5

Recommendation.........................................................................................................7

Conclusion...................................................................................................................7

References...................................................................................................................7

Introduction
Textbooks may be quite useful in the classroom. It has never been unusual for teachers to
implement and premise their whole learning activities on what is contained in textbooks during
 the last few centuries. Furthermore, as technologies progresses, a greater number of materials
and educational methods are becoming accessible. In many situations, textbooks are being
phased out in favour of more digitally sophisticated alternatives such as laptops and
smartphones. This paper is an analysis of a textbook, ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICS FOR THE
VICTORIAN CURRICULUM. Its purpose is to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of
utilising textbooks to understand mathematics. It will begin with examining a math textbook to
clarify the term mathematics before moving onto more aspects of the textbook.

Use of textbooks in classroom

The textbook is, in reality, the essence of the classroom and classroom practice, and there'd be no
learning institutions if it were not for the omnipresent text. The usage of a textbook effectively
aids in the delivery and achievement of learning objectives. Both for students and teachers,
textbooks offer an overview of topic areas to engage with. It is an instrument that may be utilized
in the teaching-learning procedure to help students learn more effectively and meaningfully. It
aids in the achievement of the course objectives, which defines educational objectives by
articulating what students should be able to gain knowledge and perform when the teaching is
completed. It establishes a conceptual foundation or a baseline of legitimate material to be
presented inside which many of the academic tasks take place, as well as providing every student
with the greatest available educational opportunity. It gives pupils a sense of comfort since they
have a blueprint of the curriculum; they understand what to anticipate and what has been
anticipated of them.

In contrast to other educational areas, mathematical instructors' dependence on textbooks in daily

instruction is somewhat increasingly common. Teachers use textbooks to organize their regular
classes, while students use them to complete tasks. Textbooks may be used to assist instructors in
establishing their sequencing information, recommending educational topics, and, finally,
offering suggestions for exercises to interest learners.1

Mathematics textbooks are an excellent approach to develop cognitive concentration while

also encouraging rational thought and cognitive precision. If asked a mathematician what
words come to mind when thinking about mathematics, they will most likely say elegance,
open-mindedness, and pleasure, rather than figures or equations. "The main thing to realize is
that mathematics is an art,"2 Furthermore, comprehending the topics of many other

1
Why Mathematics Textbooks Matter - Educational Leadership (ascd.org)
2
Microsoft Word - LockhartsLament.doc (maa.org)
 educational courses such as physics, business studies, and sometimes even music and art is
dependent on mathematical ability. 3 It's critical to plan maths lectures in a logical order to
ensure that pupils grasp all of the ideas. Place values, for example, are usually found before
advanced mathematics topics in a maths textbook for Year 9. It is crucial since
comprehending advanced topics aids future study as well as everyday life. Teachers may
effectively arrange their lectures by organizing the textbooks in a chronological order, which
guarantees that learners grasp their ideas and learn their teachings more effectively. Learning
more complex concepts without first mastering the basics is challenging for pupils. As a
result, sequencing teaching method & curriculum material is an important instructional
strategy because it helps students improve their comprehension of new ideas in a progressive
way, allowing them to grasp the fundamentals of the ideas before progressing to more
complicated courses. It also guarantees that all prerequisite information for a given idea has
been covered.

Math knowledge accumulates over time, rather like a pile of building bricks. Before you to
properly "building atop" other domain, one should first develop comprehension in the one they're
working on. The initial mathematical notions are created in elementary school when we study
addition and subtraction principles, and these simple principles form the basis.

The second set of building blocks is introduced in middle school, when pupils learn about
formulae and procedures for the first time. Before students may go on to expanding this
foundation of understanding, this material must settle into being "solid."

The primary difficulty emerges between middle and high school, when pupils typically transition
to a new grade or subject before they are fully prepared. Students who obtain a "C" in middle
school have absorbed and grasped roughly half of how they should have, however they carry on
anyway. They continue on or are pushed on because they feel a C is acceptable enough. Parents
are unaware that passing through without a complete knowledge creates a significant difficulty in
high school and university, and instructors are unable to assure that every single kid comprehend
every single topic. As a result, pupils advance to another level on a very fragile basis. Any
unsteady foundation will result in major limitations in terms of construction and the genuine
possibility of full collapse at some time.4

Best way of teaching mathematics concepts

From genetic sequencing to Global positioning system (GPS), mathematics is involved in
every part of everyday life. Conventional mathematics education, on the contrary, typically
3
The role of mathematics in the overall curriculum | International Mathematical Union (IMU) (mathunion.org)
4
Why Math Is Difficult - Math and Brain Types (thoughtco.com)
 fails to cultivate a love of mathematics and mathematical cognitive abilities in its pupils in a
pretty big way. We've become used to thinking of mathematics instruction as a dead,
indifferent endeavour. Parents take their child's challenges as a given, whereas students are
frequently terrified, frightened, and put away by their mathematical teaching experiences.

Meanwhile, skilled professionals willing to take calculated risk, explore new tactics, and
appreciate the unexpected difficulties are required in the twenty-first century workforce. The
teaching programs that appeared to function perfectly half a century ago might not be
appropriate anymore. 

Putting pupils in command of their education is among the most promising alternatives to
encourage them to study math. Claiming control of an endeavours, according to behavioural
scientists and corporate leaders, promotes satisfaction and drive. When learners build their
own fascinating numerical universes, they become true mathematicians. Mathematics is, by
definition, an artistic undertaking. Conventional assessment will never be capable of
capturing its limitless variability. 5

Analysis of the textbook

All of the aspects that have made this book so successful are included in Essential
Mathematics for the Victorian Curriculum. To lead Victorian students through Years 7 to 10
& 10A mathematics and equip them for achievement in their senior programs, the book
integrates an established teaching - learning methodology with comprehensive curricular
content and digitally enabled features.6

Aspect Strengths Weaknesses

Real world Logical and consistent advancement, the In comparison to generic

applications textbook's subject ordering for every year mathematical issues, the number of
level stimulates thorough knowledge, cuts real-world-based questions is quite
course preparation time, and enables the limited. It is more fascinating for
education programme to be constructed all learners to address real-world issues
within material. In an uncomplicated if they can see the relevance of the
design, rational subject progression is idea in their daily lives.
assisted by properly graded problems,
related instances, inquiries, and crucial

5
The Best Way To Teach Math (forbes.com)
6
Essential Mathematics for the Victorian Curriculum 7 Second Edition (print and interactive textbook powered by
HOTmaths) (cambridge.edu.au)
 point briefs.

Problem Solving The proficiency strands are interpreted in a The solutions to every numerical
practical way. This well-liked version of questions are provided beside it.  It
the Victorian Curriculum proficiency stifles learners' interest and capacity
streams encourages exact problem marking to anticipate answers. In addition, if
and uniform complexity throughout the things aren't going well, people lose
curriculum's areas. Each topic is motivation and quit engaging on the
categorized into one of the four competency topic.
streams including Enhancement, and each
module includes problems from each of the
four streams. It enhanced the pace of every
topic and exercises by incorporating the
'Building comprehension' queries following
the 'Important concepts,' all while rendering
each lesson increasingly approachable to
learners who need extra help. Resolved
illustrations are provided, together with
explanations of every procedure, to aid in
the promotion of self-learning.

Pedagogy Essential Mathematics for the Victorian There are no exercises provided.
Curriculum promotes varied instruction by The activity ideas assist instructors
providing three paths (Basic, Regular, and in planning their structuring tactics,
Sophisticated) throughout the activities to which they may then utilize to
provide for students with a broad variety of involve learners with the subject. In
abilities. These paths are denoted in the compared to real-world difficulties,
textbook by comprehensive working the challenge topics are more
programs that are quietly included into the quantitative. Does not assist the
exercises. instructor in developing more
fascinating and compelling
assignments.

Assessments Algorithmic Thinking Methodology, in a Because the assessments are mainly

highly didactic, activity-based chapters evaluative, they are hardly exciting
intended to integrate mathematical thought for the pupils. More engaging
to all three streams of the syllabus, evaluation assignments, such as
Essential Mathematics for the Victorian problem solving from responses,
 Curriculum contains an introductory part to might be employed. The solutions
promote Algorithmic Reasoning at each are provided next to each problem,
and every grade levels which impedes the line of thought.

Recommendation
As a textbook, I would suggest the book to level 9 students because it is a good reference
(self-learning) tool It is fascinating and intriguing to look at since it is lots of illustrations and
the problems are advanced, allowing pupils to concentrate on it throughout class. Although it
is not particularly well organized, it has the potential to interest students if built with the
understanding that not all students have the same amount of mathematics expertise. This
textbook is appropriate for all students since it provides diversified training by presenting
three routes of problems (Basic, Regular, and Sophisticated) throughout the exercises to
accommodate students of varying abilities.

Conclusion
Every year, thousands of math books are written, but only a small proportion of these
volumes are bound to become useful to students in terms of cognitive understanding, beloved
by students and mathematicians all around the globe. One of these textbooks is Essential
Mathematics for the Victorian Curriculum. However, there are a few things in the book that
are not explicitly stated, such as the relevance of some topics and the fact that certain
chapters are not in sequential manner and there are topics where diagrams and illustration
required. As previously said, a mathematics textbook should be prepared with the targets and
strategies of teaching the topic in that specific class in mind. It should be presented properly.
Whenever diagrams and graphics are required, they should be included.

References