School textbook as an object of pedagogical research

Abstract

The article deals with investigations of scientists in the field of school textbook theory. The material has been structured taking into account the main components of this field of knowledge: purpose (the dual essence of this type of educational literature has been revealed – it is a carrier of educational content and teaching aids; position of the textbook as a model of integral learning process has been substantiated (systematization, consolidation and control, self-education, integrating, coordinating, developmental-educational), structure (general didactic structure of the school textbook covers the text and non-text components – the apparatus of mastering, illustrative material, orientation apparatus), methods of analysis and evaluation (distinguish traditional and theoretical) – analytical and formalized methods; the structural-functional approach to the textbook analysis has been proved). The peculiarities of textbooks for elementary school have been analyzed: the most complete definition of this phenomenon has been formulated; the leading functions of the textbook addressed to junior students have been defined – informational, developmental, educational, motivational; the features of structural components (taking into account the age of students) have been specified; methods of analysis and evaluation of the textbook have been classified: methods of analysis of the manuscript, methods of evaluation of the textbook itself, diagnostic evaluation ex post facto; a comprehensive approach to the analysis of textbooks for elementary school has been proposed; methods of analysis of certain aspects of the textbook (motivational component, developmental orientation, etc.) have been offered.