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The 3rd International Conference on Chinese Language Textbooks

Why do we need textbooks?

To answer this question, we need to understand:
  • What are the features of textbooks that make them special in this information era?
  • What roles of textbooks can play in teaching and learning?

The features of textbooks

A simple google search would return a list of resources for people who want to learning Chinese. Why we need to pay for textbooks? This is because:
  • The contents in textbooks are reliable Unlike those from internet, the contents of textbooks would have been checked and verified before their publication. They provide reliable contents for teachers and students.
  • Textbooks are specially developed and compiled in accordance with the educational purpose and the students developmental and cognitive characteristics. They are designed for students at the specific stage of learning.
  • Textbooks reflect the curriculum standards and cover the core knowledge and skills of the subject. They are crystallization of subject area, at the levels of teaching and learning.
  • Textbooks are developed by professionals who have the knowledge, experience and expertise in the subject as well as learning and teaching of the subject at the levels of the textbooks .

The roles of textbooks

The status and role of teaching materials:
  • Facilitating students learning systematically, and help them to review, retrieve and consolidate their learning Textbooks may be used as the main materials for students to acquire systematic knowledge and study in school. It can help students master the content taught by teachers; at the same time, it is also convenient for students to preview, review and do homework. With proper guidance, students would how to use teaching materials effectively and to maximize the effect of teaching materials.
  • Providing base materials for teachers to prepare for teaching and learning, and basis for evaluating students performance and learning outcomes
  • For inexperienced teachers, textbooks can also be used as a form of teacher training—they provide ideas on how to plan and teach this subject, and the formats that teachers can use.

Other benefits of using textbooks

The advantages of using textbooks depend on how they are used and the environment in which they are used. The main advantages include:
  • Provide a variety of learning and teaching resources Textbooks are usually accompanied with workbooks, CDs and tapes, videos, CD ROMs, and comprehensive teaching guides, which provide teachers and learners with a wealth of resources.
  • Allow teachers to use their time more efficiently Textbooks saves teachers’ time and enables teachers to use their time for teaching instead of making materials.
  • Convenient and useful for students’ learning and retention A textbook is a convenient package. It is bound, so its components are glued together and kept in order, and it is light and small and can be easily carried. A textbook with student’s own notes and remarks could help the student’s review, retrieve and retain what they learned more effectively.