Textbook Selection Criteria

Content

1.

Conformity / Alignment with the curriculum aims and objectives in the curriculum guide

2.

Effectiveness of content to meet curriculum requirements irrespective of supplementary materials

3.

Accuracy and relevancy of data / information

4.

Accuracy, clarity and development of concepts

5.

Balance of depth and breadth

6.

Appropriate level of difficulty

7.

Smooth interface between key stages of learning / year levels

8.

Presence of multiple perspectives

9.

Absence of biased information / discrimination

10.

Inclusion of suggested references to facilitate consolidation and self-directed learning

Learning and Teaching

11.

Development of generic skills

12.

Development of cognitive skills of all levels, especially higher-order thinking skills

13.

Fostering positive values and attitudes

14.

Catering for student diversity

15.

Inclusion of learning activities essential to achieving the learning targets

16.

Facilitating students to integrate / practise / apply new knowledge

17.

Motivating students’ learning

18.

Clarity of instructions

19.

Variety and purposefulness of learning activities

20.

Inclusion of appropriate activities to facilitate assessment for learning and as learning

Structure and Organisation

21.

Logical organisation of content

22.

Use of table of content and titles / headings / outlines

23.

Appropriate use of overviews, summaries and a student’s guide to facilitate learning

Language

24.

Quality of texts in terms of level of difficulty and support for independent reading and construction of meaning by students

25.

Coherence of text

26.

Opportunities to make good use of language to study the subject

27.

Use of familiar and interesting language

28.

Accuracy of language used

29.

Provision of support for understanding and using subject-specific vocabulary and expressions

Textbook Layout

30.

Logical and consistent layout with appropriate use of space and margin for ease reading

31.

Illustrations facilitate students’ learning

32.

Appropriate separation into volumes / binding in loose-leaves

33.

Design facilitates the reuse of textbook

34.

Appropriate print font size and type

Textbook Price

Other Criterion (please specify:________________________________)

Overall Comments, if any