This is getting a little off the original topic but...
There have been several posts about texts having too many graphics, etc.
I've been using my own text for a few years now, with nothing but
occasional line drawings. Based upon a non-rigorous study (pre/post
tests, student feedback, etc.), I've found little detrimental effect.
The same is true even if I have a colleague use the text.
I'm at the college level and a HS teacher used some of the chapters
(without my knowledge). He said the students actually read those rather
than the textbook. One of these days, I'll have to do more formal study
on that (if only I knew how)...
P.S. Other results of my informal study reveal that although the
textbook by itself doesn't make much of a difference, students must be
taught how to read the textbook (the Just In Time approach helps) and
the order of topics, type and amount of problems/examples can help or
hinder conceptual development.
____________________________________________________
Robert Cohen; 570-422-3428; www.esu.edu/~bbq
East Stroudsburg University; E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301