EVALUATION OF GRADE TEN MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOK FOR ETHIOPIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM THE TEACHERS POINT OF VIEW OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN WUCHALE WOREDA, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of internal (organization of tasks) and external (attractiveness) quality of the current grade 10 mathematics textbook to identify some of the strong and weak sides related to its external (physical) appearance and internal organization. In order to achieve the intended objectives evaluative study method was used. Participants of the study were 13 grade ten mathematics teachers and 3 mathematics teachers from preparatory were selected using available sampling and 5 teachers were selected from 16 teachers purposefully to code textbook with researcher. The data were collected by using questionnaire and checklist. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed in order to arrive at the results. The findings of the study revealed that the textbook was good in its layout and design, existence of activities, group works, exercises, summaries and it is attractive to read it. Learning outcomes of both text and syllabus give more emphasis for lower order thinking. The index of learning activity of the text is below average (0.231). Text narrative give more emphasize for memorization fact and principles. The finding also revealed that the logical sequential arrangement of chapters/units were not good pedagogically. The findings were generally in favor of the textbook except that for the order of unit and insufficient number of activities. Thus, it can be generalized that tenth grade Mathematics textbook was not prepared effectively in the area which this research was concerned. Hence, sufficient activities, exercise in all level (simple, medium and difficult) shall be included during textbook preparation. It is also better if chapters/units are re-organized accordingly. Short notes, figures and diagrams to perform some data should be included in order to provoke (incite) students to achieve the expected knowledge, skills and attitude