IT-TEXTBOOK EVALUATION

THE EVALUATION OF MALAYSIA’S ENGLISH YEAR 4 TEXTBOOK

(THIS BOOK WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN YEAR 1998 AND IT’S LAST PRINT(7TH PUBLISHMENT) WAS IN 2004..MALAYSIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION WAS RESPONSIBLED TO PRESENT THIS TEXTBOOK.)

Organization

The contents of this book are suitable for year 4 students because the information are relevant to their level of thinking. For instances, this book introduce socialization, body anatomy, multiracial ethnic in Malaysia and the identity of each state in Malaysia. Unfortunately, glossary and index are not found in the textbook.
In the other hand, the table of contents does not presenting logical arrangement. It tends to make year 4 students confused. The sequence learning is not exists when the topics jump here and there. For example, the subject of socialization was put in the first chapter but body anatomy subject was arranged in unit 5 from 11 units. The body anatomy should be in first topic.
There is no uniformity in appearance and content layout throughout the book as well as within each other since there are all blue coloured pages, red while the others are so colourful. There is no layout standardize.
Another weaknesses of this textbook is does not have references, bibliographies and other resources. So, this phenomenon does not help the students to understand better. The information actually is not sufficient for children learning process. Furthermore, children’s ability to think creatively will be limited and they cannot broaden their mind.
Instead of it’s weaknesses, the good part is it’s introduction. The intro is not too long but clear, comprehensive and precise. This intro is easily understood, especially for the students of year 4.
Yes, there are numbered pages, standardize without missing any page number. Therefore, to refer the pages of any topic from the table of contents is not confusing.

Content

This book meet local and national standard. This is due to the relevant topics presented which are acceptable locally and nationally. For instances, using lingua franca, and common things such as body part, explain knowing time and standard measurement (centimeters) and etc.
Sadly, this book is no longer up to date. The data of each state in Malaysia occurs inaccurately. Wilayah Persekutuan, Labuan and Putrajaya were not stated as states in Malaysia as we knew nowadays.
This book also not supported by other textbook that students have or will use. There is no activity book and, compared to work book that is not published by government, the syllabus and table content are totally different.
The language is not appropriate for the intended age group, using shorthand but grammatically correct. The using of cm instead of centimeter may confused the students as they are not fully ready with shorthand usage. Not all students could get what does cm stands for. Higher level was used which let students uncertain such as the phrase ‘…said I’. This style of language usually meant in literature.
Another weakness is inappropriate reading level. But, majorities are suitable actually. Minor part are not appropriate because of the repeated content from year 2 and 3.Besides,this source is lack of informative subject.
Every sub syllabus come out together with question for enrichment. This can help student to recall what they have learn. In addition, it is also encourage them to think and generate ideas.
The good thing about this book is the lessons are linked to other subject area. Time and measurement related to Mathematics, body anatomy related to Sciences, ”Malaysia and her neighbors” related to History and “Getting to know you” related indirectly to Psychology.
Another good thing concerned to this book is it includes interactive games. Yes, the interactive games such as crossword puzzle, searching hidden word, playing snake and ladder appeal to a wide range of abilities and interests. The game was full to challenge student’s intellectuality.
The contents are not encouraging higher level of thinking because the content is not up to date, repeating year 2/3 syllabus which do not reflect the student year 4 thinking.
Definitely, this book cannot be used for several years. It is not a challenging sources, left behind, minor irrelevant contents, not well organized, and does not reflect the actual thinking level of year 4 student’s .The vital aspect is the strength of the information but this book does not have this criteria.

Physical Aspects

The size and weight of this book is definitely not suitable for primary students. It’s too heavy for children at this age because, the other book measurement is also more or less with this book. The width and length of this book is 26 cm and 21.5 cm, while the thickness is 1 cm. We ever encounter the issues of primary school students that have to bring many thick textbook to school that affect their body posture. So, we need to avoid the same issue occurs again.
The font and style is quite pleasure, attractive slightly and effectively memorized. It’s font style is Atlanta Roman,14 and 16 point.
The whole book was made of paper (the cover made of cardboard).These mean this book is not durable and even easy-torn.
It’s also does not appeal because the cover page is dull and has formal picture that describes the situation of students in class.
Besides, there are the excessive pictures that lead to uncluttered view. Excessive pictures should be reduced and replaced with relevant stimulation.
The table, figures and chart (no graphs) provide appropriate representations of age, gender, socioeconomics level, physical/mental ability. These help students to differentiate male and female, recognize ethnics, age and can understood behavior or character.
All the illustration including table, figures and chart are functional such as the food pyramid that was presented with the real picture of meals. It trigs student curiosity and they will be motivated in learning process.


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