The document outlines the qualities of a good textbook. It discusses that a textbook should have content that is appropriate for the age and experience level of students, organized in a logical, psychological sequence. Illustrations should be clear and related to the content, while teaching aids should be simple, brief, and related to the objectives. The textbook should also have a good mechanical makeup with an artistic cover and good quality paper for readability. The authorship, content organization, illustrations, teaching aids, and mechanical makeup are all important factors in creating an effective textbook.

1. QUALITIES OF A GOOD TEXT BOOK
DR. C. BEULAH JAYARANI
M.Sc., M.A, M.Ed, M.Phil (Edn), M.Phil (ZOO), NET, Ph.D
ASST. PROFESSOR,
LOYOLA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, CHENNAI - 34

2. Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to
change the world
-Nelson Mandela

3. TEXTBOOK mEAnS …
• A textbook is a book containing a
comprehensive compilation of content in a
branch of study with the intention of
explaining it.
• Textbook are produced to meet the
needs of educators, usually at educational
institutions.
• School books are textbooks and other
books also used in schools.

4. QUALITIES OF A GOOD TEXT BOOK
Content Organization
Literary
style
vocabulary
Illustrations Teaching
aids
Mechanical
make up
and
appearance
Authorship

5. COnTEnT
appropriate – according to age &
experience
should not be too complex – adults
consistent - pupil’s needs and interests
The statements must be accurate - simple

6. ORGAnIZATIOn
Cover the whole syllabus
Developed in psychological sequence
Organized into units & simple unambiguous scientific language
Inductive approach – Simple to Complex
Application to life situations
Glossary of technical terms used in the books
Suggestions for further reading & methods of learning’s
Self assessment test & for practicing skills
Assignments & numerical questions if necessary

7. COnTD.,
Headings and sub-
headings should
be in bold type
Important
principles should
be set in italics &
examples from the
local environment
Detailed table of
contents and
index text books
Accompanied by a
laboratory manual
and pupil’s work
book
Supplemented by
a teacher’s hand
book
Controversial
topics should be
treated impartially

8. LITERARy STyLE AnD VOCABULARy OF
TEXT BOOK
Length of sentences
Directness of sentences
Number of ideas per seconds
Use of lead sentence or paragraphs
Presence or absence of irrelevant
thoughtscontinuity of thought

9. ILLUSTRATIOnS
Photographs should
be clearly
reproduced &
relation with content
in the text
Diagrams should be
carefully made
attractive
Color in the
illustrations add to
eye appeal

10. TEACHInG AIDS
Simple and brief
Related to the objectives of teaching
Activities should be given the end of a chapter
Activities should be closely related to content
Simple experiments can be executed

11. mECHAnICAL mAKE Up AnD AppEARAnCE
Artistic cover
Durability for binding
Size of the book
Good quality of paper
Length of line and size- legible
Attractive over all experience
Cover design and colour should be appealing
Ample space to be left between lines to provide for
ease in reading

12. AUTHORSHIp

13. COnCLUSIOn
Text books are
important tool in
the hand of a
teacher.
It helps student
to how and
what they
learn to
achieve some
definite goals.
When we
make a text
we should give
importance to
all the sub
topics

14. REFREnCES
Methodology of teaching and pedagogic
Analysis- Pr. A. Faziluddin Dr. K Siva Rajan
Teaching of Biological Science”
TNTEU – Study Material
Ram Publications
Sri Krishna Publications
Kaviyamala Publications
Google Images