Background: Textbooks shape the content and structure of most introductory psychology courses. It is important to compare the content of textbooks to assist educators in making the best textbook choice. Objective: The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of five commonly used introductory psychology textbooks and examine the extent of…

This paper reports the results of a pilot project conducted Spring 2021 in which Milner Library licensed seventy-five assigned texts to fifty-two courses at Illinois State University. The authors used the pilot as a springboard to explore faculty perspectives on textbook selection, textbook affordability, and the role of the academic library in…

The study examined how, in the current context of reading reform, teachers' beliefs coalesced and aligned with prevailing paradigms of reading instruction (Science of Reading, Balanced Literacy, and Whole Language). The sample included 14 graduate students (in-service teachers) and 13 undergraduate students (pre-service teachers). Q Methodology…

The traditional textbook model is problematic for students who either buy expensive textbooks and add to their already considerable student debt, opt out of buying expensive textbooks, or opt out of enrolling in courses known to require expensive textbooks. Switching to open textbooks directly addresses these problems by decreasing costs, removing…

Due to the life-altering effects reading ability has on one's life, the public, government, and educators have a vested interest in understanding how reading acquisition occurs and is most effectively taught. The body of research termed the 'science of reading' shows that at least 92 percent of children can read at grade level when given…

This study reports the knowledge of text complexity held by preservice teachers prior to coursework. The goal of this research is to determine what strengths and what learning needs preservice teachers have related to text selection with the intention of informing programmatic redesign. In this preliminary component of a design-development study,…

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach suitable for the selection of an appropriate textbook using an evaluation checklist designed to focus on the relevant topics and coverage suitable for students undertaking a first-year accounting course at university level. The resulting checklist is derived from the literature and adapted for…

Given the challenge of visualizing the main constructs of two-variable functions and their differential and integral calculus, it is essential to consider instructional resources' use and perceived potential to contribute to students' understanding. This case study considers how four instructors selected and used digital and physical resources in…

To advance ongoing efforts to diversify the healthcare field and promote inclusion in physiology education, the present study investigates the potential for an evidence-based intervention, Scientist Spotlight assignments, to highlight counterstereotypical representations of scientists in the context of majors and nonmajors physiology courses.…

This study is one in a series designed to explore the process by which faculty members select and use the educational materials employed in their courses. The most common of these is the required textbook: faculty members typically choose one or more books that all students are required to use throughout the course. Faculty also employ a wide…

This study explores how faculty members select and use the educational materials employed in their courses. The primary sample represents all teaching faculty across all types of degree-granting higher education institution in the United States. Two subgroups of faculty are called out for detailed examination: those teaching large-enrollment…

An interactive open-source calculus textbook is compared to a popular commercial textbook. Structured as a non-inferiority study, use of the open-source textbook does not harm student outcomes, and there is evidence that the open-source textbook is better than the commercial textbook in promoting post-course enjoyment of mathematics and confidence…

This dissertation examined the relationship of student textbook purchasing practices to student success and satisfaction in selected general education undergraduate courses at a Florida public community college. The study utilized secondary data sources, specifically bookstore purchasing data, student records, and student satisfaction survey…

Using a mixed-methods approach, this article reports survey findings regarding the factors secondary English-language-arts teachers in the United States reported as influential to their text selection and examines how those factors varied by years of teaching experience. Teachers' department was the most cited influence regardless of years'…

Data analytics is an integral part of planning and decision making in business. Priorities have shifted to hiring skilled employees to support a company's analytics requirements. The authors discuss the background of big data and data analytics, demand for trained professionals, and information on the development of a data analytics curriculum.…