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I recently read an interesting article by Jesse Stommel entitlied “Textbooks, OER, and the Need for Open Pedagogy.” In this piece, he provided a critical view on textbooks and the historical approach to education. He further argued that the use of textbooks in the educational system is actually a symptom of a deeper problem. It is both a social justice issue and a pedagogical issue.

First, the mandatory use of textbooks already creates a divide between the students who have access to them (i.e. those who have the financial means to purchase these expensive materials) and those who do not. Publishers have also jumped on this opportunity to provide electronic copies of books. At first, these seem more accessible and cheaper, but there are so many “add-ons” to these electronic textbooks, such as additional learning or course materials. In the end, the digital copies cost more than the physical book. Moreover, digital books cannot be resold to peers. Unlike physical books that can either be sold or passed on to another student, digital licenses expire and the materials are no longer usable. In this way, electronic materials are not always more accessible either.

Second, the usage of textbooks is also a pedagogical issue. In this sense, it means that the educational system is so dependent on the use of these resources, that it is almost impossible for a student to pass a course without having a textbook. There is something wrong here, as learning should not fully depend on the materials, but on the way knowledge is taught. If I wanted to learn from reading a textbook, I would not have to enroll in a class. I would simply read the textbook. A textbook, or other learning materials, should be used to enhance learning, and should not be the sole basis of it. Learning should be an insightful and dynamic process, one that involves the teacher and the student in the process of discovery. This simply does not happen when a teacher simply requires the use and reading of a textbook.

The solution is of course, a more open approach to learning. This goes beyond the inclusion of a variety of different learning materials, which is of course, very useful. The educational system should branch out into other forms of materials, such as digital media, online discussions, and interactive media platforms. It is also important to alter our mindset and approach to learning. Students should be placed in an environment where learning is interactive. They should be given the space to explore and create their own opinions and thoughts, through the guidance of insightful and inspiring educators. Students should not merely be consumers or recipients of ideas printed on a textbook, but should be able to discuss their opinions to their peers. In this way, learning is never stagnant, and ideas are also innovative and new.

This is easier said than done, of course. But the need to change the way we learn is already manifested in the shortage of educational materials and the gap in learning. Changing our approach to learning may be a big step, but it is the most important one if we want to foster a culture of creative and innovative ideas from students.

 

Source:

Stommel, Jesse. “Textbooks, OER, and the Need for Open Pedagogy.” Critical Digital Pedagogy. PressBooks, no date, https://criticaldigitalpedagogy.pressbooks.com/chapter/textbooks-oer-and-the-need-for-open-pedagogy/