How to Pick Textbooks for a Writing Course

There's an increase in the cost of textbooks due largely to "new" editions that contain little or no new information or that are packaged with CDs or workbooks. In an effort to help parents or students make the most of their textbook dollars, pick books for a writing course that covers a variety of core skills.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Contact textbook sales representatives for recommendations. Visit the textbook websites for a preview of the table of contents and a few chapters of any text. Read the review section of the publisher's website for valuable feedback from educators.

2. Create a syllabus and a study guide for the writing course. Review the syllabus and note main areas of study to be covered. Choose textbooks that support more than one areas of study to minimize the number of required texts.

3. Choose textbooks that focus on the fundamentals of grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary for an introductory course.

4. Use a text that highlights the basics of plot, character, setting and point of view for a creative writing course.

5. Review the textbook's glossary or list of terminology; table of content and chapter headings to make sure it conveys the skill set for the course.

6. Assess the textbooks according to curriculum requirements. Set up teaching goals and define the skills for the student's to attain by the completion of the course. Select five to seven titles that focus on the specific topic of the writing course.

7. Evaluate textbooks based on age appropriate materials. Consider selecting a text that uses writing prompts and a journal to reinforce the skill set. Incorporate reading response exercises to help student connect reading and writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Include "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg as one of the texts in any writing course geared for ages 14 to adult. Note the short essays, varied topics, readability and usefulness of the text after the coursework is complete.
• Picking too many textbooks can overload the students. Consult with colleagues for recommendations.
• Check all titles each term. Make sure that the desired texts are in print and in stock at the warehouse.