Down and up: Textbook research in Australia and Finland

Authors

  • Tom Wikman Central Queensland University Australia
  • Mike Horsley Central Queensland University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21344/iartem.v5i1.772

Keywords:

textbooks, textbook research, textbook research in Finland, textbook research in Australia

Abstract

The aim of the article is to compare textbook research conducted in Australia and Finland between 2000 and 2011. The article is based on information collected in a project initiated by the Norwegian government and realized by an international research group lead by Professor Susanne Knudsen at Vestfold University College in Norway. This research was published electronically at the Directorate for Education and Training (http://sok.udir.no/Sider/utdanningresults.aspx?k=L%C3%A6remidler). Research findings on textbooks and educational media were identified from four areas: (1) content, form and use; (2) implementation of basic skills; (3) educational media acting against drop out as well as (4) research analysing activities in classrooms also including the use of educational aids. As this fourth area encompassed very few findings it is left out here. Table 1 gives a quantitative overview of the research conducted in a sample of countries.

Author Biographies

  • Tom Wikman, Central Queensland University Australia

    Dr. Tom Wikman is lecturer in educational science in the teacher education of
    Abo Akademi in Vasa, Finland. He has a background as teacher at different
    levels in the school and university, as well as a textbook writer and textbook
    researcher.

    Contact:

    Tom Wikman
    Åbo Akademi i Vasa
    PB 311
    65101 Vasa
    Finland
    Tel: +35863247250
    E-Mail: [email protected]

  • Mike Horsley, Central Queensland University

    Dr. Mike Horsley is a Professor Central Queensland University, Vice President of the International Association for Research on Textbooks and Educational Media and the chief judge of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing. He is currently researching the use of teaching and learning materials in University teaching and learning with the Australian Publishers Association.

    Contact:

    Central Queensland University
    PO Box 1128 Goodchap Street Noosaville 4566 Queensland
    Australia
    Tel: +61 418413855
    E-Mail: [email protected]

Downloads

Published

2012-09-30

Issue

Section

Peer-reviewed research articles

How to Cite

Wikman, T., & Horsley, M. (2012). Down and up: Textbook research in Australia and Finland. IARTEM E-Journal, 5(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.21344/iartem.v5i1.772