This study aimed at analyzing the ninth grade chemistry textbook in Jordan, in light of the standards that were prepared by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Abstract

    This study aimed at analyzing the ninth grade chemistry textbook in Jordan, in light of the standards that were prepared by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The association assumes that these standards must be met in any textbook, including science textbooks.

    The book was analyzed using atool that was prepared and validated by AAAS. The researchers of this study translated this tool and validated the translation. It includes two sets of standards; one is related to the content of the book and the other to the extent to which the book supports students’ learning. The results shawed that the general evaluation of the book is “satisfactory”,while the units were excellent in: alignement between learning goals and content, experiences, activities, figures, diagrams and representations; clarity and sequencing of ideas; providing vivid experiences; alignment assessment to goals; and testing for understanding. Weakness appeared in alerting teachers to commonly held student ideas; treating these ideas; supporting learning content and all students. Finally, the researchers proposed a number of recommendations that aimed at overcoming weakness factors and maximizing strength factors of the textbook.