The
process of data collection and interpretation to pass a judgement is known as curriculum evaluation. In order to pass that
value judgement, curriculum developers or teachers are expected to use a
variety of tools to obtain information which may support the judgement for adding
the value or worth of that curriculum. One of the dimensions of curriculum evaluation
is the evaluation of curriculum materials. Textbook is one of the curriculum
materials. In this article, the textbook “Physics for class IX and X” prescribed
by Sindh Textbook Board has been evaluated by
using the criteria to evaluate a textbook given by Marsh (1997). The content
and materials have been considered while analysing the mentioned textbook.
Evaluation of Content
and materials
Development
history
The
rational for development of the textbook “Physics for class IX and X” has been
stated that is, to introduce a unified course for the students appearing at
secondary school certificate examination according to new syllabus. Second part
of the rational for development of prescribed physics textbook is to maintain
the fluency of language of content in physics so that the students will easily
understand the subject matter.
The
authors of above mentioned prescribed textbook have explicitly advocated
subject centered approach. The rational provided for subject centered approach
of the textbook is, to help the readers maintain the fluency of language of content
and easily understand the subject matter of the subject. The approach for the
textbook is consistent throughout the book. The content of the whole book
contains knowledge about various concepts and principles related subject matter
of physics.
Objectives
The
general objective for the textbook has been explicitly stated as to introduce
the basic laws and principles of physics with their applications in various
areas of physics as well as in daily life. The textbook has not been structured
in units. Instead of units, textbook has
been structured in nineteen chapters but there are no objectives stated for
each chapter. If the teachers appropriately formulate the objectives for each
chapter according to their own context, the objectives will likely be achieved
by the users.
Issues
orientation
The
authors of the prescribed book have incorporated some issues. For example, in
chapter on light, the green house effect and damage of ozone layer through
heavy industries and other pollutants have been mentioned. This issue has been
clearly stated that if ozone layer is damaged by atmospheric pollution, then
the dangerous rays in sunlight which the ozone layer filters will come to earth
and harm lives. Furthermore, green-house effect will result in high temperature
in atmosphere due to which polar ice-caps will melt and raise the level of
oceans and drowning all coasts. The text book contains contrasting views on
nature of light involving three theories such as corpuscular theory of light, wave
theory of light and quantum theory of light. There are no contrasting views on
issue mentioned above.
Multiculturalism
and sex roles
The
content of the prescribed textbook has been selected by taking considerations
on the sensitivities of various cultural and ethnic groups. This book can
openly be used by learners in any culture of Pakistan. The authors of the
textbook have tried to avoid gender stereotyping but male dominancy is found in
the textbook. For example they have used the word “person” instead of man or
women. The pictures to explain concepts contain mostly males but one of the
pictures is of a female.
Scope for the
unit
The
authors of the prescribed textbook “Physics for class IX and X” provide the
scope for materials of whole textbook because the book has not been structured
in units but in chapters. The scope includes background of physics,
measurements, dynamics and statics, energy, electronics and nuclear physics. Under
measurements they have included main concepts like, units of measurement and
measuring instruments, vectors and scalars. Statics includes main concepts such
as objects at rest under resultant of forces and electrostatics while dynamics
incorporate kinematics and mechanics. Energy involves kinetic/potential energy,
heat, waves and sound, light and electricity.
Sequence and
linkages
The authors of the
text book have provided details of sequence for each major concept. For
example, in first chapter, measurement is a major concept which involves two
main topics or concepts such as units of measurement, measuring instruments,
vectors and scalars. Sub topics of units of measurement are international
systems of units, fundamental units and derived units. Subtopics of measuring
instruments are vernier callipers, screw gauge, physical balance, stop watch,
and measuring cylinder. In second chapter, vectors and scalars is main topic
which has sub topics of scalars, vectors, addition/subtraction of vectors,
resolution of vectors, and addition of rectangular components of vectors.
The authors of
this prescribed book link measurements with kinematics where physical quantities
are discussed such as displacement, velocity, speed and motion and so on. Then kinematics has been linked to force and
motion. In statics, forces are applied to make a body get rest position. In
same chapter, centre of gravity is discussed. Following chapter involves
circular motion and gravitation. Work, power and energy are linked with
machines. Forms of energy have been
linked with each other. For example,
heat, sound, light and electricity have been linked. After electricity,
magnetism and electromagnets have been arranged. These are then linked to
electronics and nuclear physics.
The authors of
textbook justify the sequence and linkage as it is evident from chapter 6 where
it is mentioned that in previous chapter we dealt with the bodies in motion. In
this chapter we will discuss the bodies at rest. Another example of authors’
justification for linkages and sequence is in chapter fourteen where it is
mentioned that in chapter thirteen we discussed the travelling of light in
homogeneous medium however in this chapter we will discuss the travelling of
light in heterogeneous medium.
Reference
Marsh, C. J. (1997). Planning, management and ideology: Key
concepts for understanding curriculum
2. London: Routledge Falmer
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