List of Pedagogical Elements
Introduction
In the previous section we reviewed how pedagogical elements can be incorporated into textbooks. Here we provide a more comprehensive overview of common pedagogical elements, organized into 1) openers, 2) closers, and 3) integrated pedagogical devices. These are elements that may open, close or be used throughout a chapter or section, respectively.
Openers
- overviews (previews)
- introductions
- outlines (text, bullets or graphics)
- focus questions (knowledge and comprehension questions)
- learning goals / objectives / outcomes / competences / skills
- case problem
- special features, e.g. vignettes, photos, quotations...
Closers
- conclusions and summaries (may include diagrams)
- list of definitions
- reference boxes (e.g. computer instructions)
- review questions
- self-assessment (usually simple quizzes)
- small exercises
- substantial exercises and problem cases
- fill-in tables to prepare a real world task
- ideas for projects (academic or real world)
- bibliographies and links (that can be annotated)
Integrated Pedagogical Devices
- emphasis (bold) of key words
- marginalia that summarize paragraphs
- lists that highlight main points
- summary tables and graphics
- cross-references that link backwards (or sometimes forwards) to important concepts
- markers to identify embedded subjects (e.g. an "external" term used and that needs explanation)
- study and review questions
- pedagogical illustrations (concepts rendered graphically)
- tips (to help with misconceptions or procedural errors)
- reminders
- case studies
- problem descriptions
- debates and reflections
- profiles (case descriptions)
- primary sources and data
- models
Adapted from "Textbook writing tutorial" Links to an external site. by Daniel K. Schneider Links to an external site. licensed under CC BY NC SA 4.0 Links to an external site.
Resources
Want to give this to faculty as a handout? Here's a version in MS Word: Textbook Elements.docx Download Textbook Elements.docx