Artifact 8

Kelly Grissom, Reich College of Education, Appalachian State University

Artifact # 8

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Artifact # 15

ISTE National Educational Technology Standards

INTASC Principles

References

Artifact 8: Social Studies Textbook Evaluation

Context:
This artifact was constructed in accordance with my Social Studies methods class in the Fall of 2001 at Appalachian State University. I began by selecting two state adopted fourth grade Social Studies textbooks to evaluate and compare. I was given a check sheet to help with the process. I was asked to pay attention to strengths and weaknesses, along with difficulty or ease for a fourth grader. Along with these attributes, I was asked to pay attention to text organization, diversity, visual organization, visual appeal, and many other characteristics. After studying each text, I wrote a comparative paper using Microsoft Word.

Impact:
By performing this evaluation, I was able to become familiar with more of the fourth grade curriculum as well as the level of these students. Looking at both books and comparing them, made me realize how different resources can be and how many different types of textbooks there are. One of the textbooks had a plethora of resource materials that went along with it that teachers could use for guidance. That was very helpful to me, and would be helpful if I was on a textbook committee which had to chose textbooks for my school. Not only will I have to evaluate textbooks for my classroom, but all kinds of resources. This has given me confidence in my ability to do so.

Alignment:
While looking through the textbooks, I was asked to pay attention to the diversity present in the text and pictures. I paid close attention to how much racial diversity there was, as well as the amount of gender and physical diversity in each book. By this process, I am able to meet standard VIC. Looking so in depth at these two textbooks, I was able to know more of the subject matter and curriculum goals that are important to fourth grade. The decision of which textbook would be better for my class requires the knowledge of my students, the community, and the goals which I need to meet (INTASC #7). INTASC 9 is met by this artifact because I had to reflect on textbooks that could be put in my classroom. Textbooks are a huge part of learning in a classroom and I will have to be aware that the choice I make will affect my students' learning. By comparing two books, I am able to see more examples of what I would like in a textbook and get more experience, which allows me to grow professionally.