Free Educational Resources for Students and Tutors: Understanding Textbooks

 

This is a comparison between a page in a textbook (right) and a page in a novel or essay (left). Textbooks have a unique structure to help you better understand their subjects, which includes:

 

1.  A "Tree Structure" that includes:

 

           An actual textbook looks like this:

Or this: 

Each part of this structure has elements that organize information into:

• bite sized chunks 
• in a logical order

So that you can better understand it.

  

      2. The beginning of each book has a:

Table of contents:

It outlines all of the topics in the book and can be used to determine the relationships between them. 

 

      3.  Each chapter has: 

Openers: These are at the start of each chapter. They help you better understand the content. Openers can include: 

• A table of contents or outline
• Summarization or bullet list of chapter learning objectives
• Focus questions for you to think about when reading the chapter
• Case problems

 

Learning Devices: These are used in the chapter to distinguish between different knowledge you are required to learn. They also highlight some knowledge . These can include:

• Headings
• Bolded words
• Illustrations and photos of concepts
• Tables and graphics
• Tips for learners
• Case studies
• Debates and reflections

 

Closers: These come at the end of the chapter and help you summarize, review and practice what you've learned. Closers can include:

• Chapter summaries
• Review problems and exercises
• List of definitions

 

4. The end of the book has a:

Glossary: Definitions of important words/concepts in the book. It can be used to determine what are important concepts that book wants you to know.