Working with Authors to Develop Content Structure

Introduction

So far we have focused on creating a book's general structure. We haven't yet talked about how to address a book's specific content. In this section we'll talk about how to work with an author to integrate their content into their structure to make an outline. 

Let's start by considering both the textbook's scope (what is covered, and what is not covered), and the sequence in which the content is covered.

Scope

The book's scope is the depth and breadth of the content the author wants to cover. In order to be most useful, the scope should contain the content typically covered in a course or a series of courses in a field of study. That way, the open textbook complements the syllabus. Each chapter could even coordinate with each week of instruction.

Sequence

The sequence of the content is the order in which the content is covered. In any given subject, there are likely multiple theories about which sequence is best (e.g., the OpenStax Chemistry textbook has been revised into a version called "Chemistry: Atoms First Links to an external site." because some instructors want to teach about atoms before other chemistry concepts).

Content Structure

At this stage, it may be helpful for an author to create an outline of their book's content that coordinates with their book's structure. If they've structured their book using Unit$\Longrightarrow$Chapter$\Longrightarrow$Section, then the outline will need to provide content for each level, as seen below.

...
Unit 2. The Cell
   Chapter 4. Cell Structure
      Section 4.1 Studying Cells
      Section 4.2 Prokaryotic Cells
      Section 4.3 Eukaryotic Cells
      Section 4.4 The Endomembrane System and Proteins
      Section 4.5 The Cytoskeleton
      Section 4.6 Connections between Cells and Cellular Activities
   Chapter 5. Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes
      Section 5.1 Components and Structure
      Section 5.2 Passive Transport
      Section 5.3 Active Transport
      Section 5.4 Bulk Transport
...
Unit 3. Genetics
   Chapter 11. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
      Section 11.1 The Process of Meiosis
      Section 11.2 Sexual Reproduction
   Chapter 12. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
      Section 12.1 Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability
      Section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits
      Section 12.3 Laws of Inheritance
...
("Biology" (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.)

It's possible that the process of mapping out the content will make the author realize that the textbook structure needs to be adjusted. This is understandable, since the two structures are interrelated. It's part of the process! 

A note on outlines: In 2012, open textbook publisher Boundless was sued by three publishers Links to an external site. - partially because Boundless copied the content structure of their textbooks. The actual content of the Boundless books was openly licensed, but the structure was mapped from the publishers' commercial books. The case was settled out of court, so it is not clear whether this was a violation of copyright law. That said, an author should be aware that it could be a legal risk to copy a commercial textbook's structure.

Complete Textbook Outline

Once complete, an author can combine their textbook structure with their content structure to create a complete outline. To start, here's an example textbook structure:

Now, let's look at two chapters of the content structure:

   Chapter 11. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
      Section 11.1 The Process of Meiosis
      Section 11.2 Sexual Reproduction
   Chapter 12. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
      Section 12.1 Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability
      Section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits
      Section 12.3 Laws of Inheritance

Combining these two structures, we get a complete outline for two chapters:

Cover Page
Table of Contents
...   
   Chapter 11. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
      Introduction
      Objectives
      Key Terms
      Section 11.1 The Process of Meiosis
         Main Content
         Review Questions
      Section 11.2 Sexual Reproduction
         Main Content
         Review Questions
      Discussion Questions
   Chapter 12. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
      Introduction
      Objectives
      Key Terms
      Section 12.1 Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability
         Main Content
         Review Questions
      Section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits
         Main Content
         Review Questions
      Section 12.3 Laws of Inheritance
         Main Content
         Review Questions
...
Index
Glossary

Working with Authors

You may want to create an outline and ask the author to "fill in" the outline with their content. By collaborating with an author on this process, you will help make a textbook that is more useful to students. It will contain consistent elements that will become familiar to students, giving them useful structure and scaffolding. The process of creating this outline encourages authors to think through pedagogical tools that they might not have otherwise considered.

Sources

Schneider, D. K. (2008, September 3). Textbook writing tutorial. Retrieved March 04, 2018, from http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Textbook_writing_tutorial Links to an external site.