Evaluating Textbook for Content Quality, Higher-Order Thinking, Social Values, and Aesthetic Presentation of grade 8 Urdu Textbook

Abstract

In fact, the importance of the Urdu textbook lies in the fact that Urdu is an essential language for communication and literature in Pakistan. Not only do the students require vocabulary and grammatical knowledge at this grade level, but they are supposed to learn reading, writing, communication skills, creativity, critical thinking, and social and moral responsibility as well. The objectives of research work were to analyze the content and to analyze the degree of provision of Grade 8 Urdu textbook in developing high-order thinking skills among students, determination and evaluation of social and moral values in the Grade 8 Urdu textbook and evaluation of the aesthetic aspects of the Grade 8 Urdu textbook in terms of illustration, typography, layout, visual attractiveness, organization, and age-appropriate presentation. Mix method was adopted and data was collected from eight textbook authors, reviewers and teachers. The results indicate that the reviewers found the appearance of the book satisfactory. The quality of paper used in textbook is low and the layout of title and pages, and the features of the book were all rated positively. On the other hand, printing and binding got relatively mixed results, while the graphics were mostly considered somewhat satisfactory. Findings also show that the textbook functions relatively well in terms of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and values.  It was concluded that the book is aesthetically and durably acceptable, but it may become even better if there will be some improvements made to the printing/binding process and the graphics included in it. It was recommended that the physical quality, printing binding of grade 8th Urdu textbook should be improved and least important content should be removed.