[ATTW-L] To Use a Textbook or Not to Use a Textbook. . .

[Lisa Melonçon]

I have long been an advocate of no textbook because there are so many
resources that good and online that can help structure a course. But, I
also understand, as Pam points out, there is a need for structure and
really good pre-planned resources particularly in the service course,
especially if the textbook decision is tied to a large number of courses
that need some uniformity and consistency across sections.

There are several institutions (such as Kennesaw and Utah State) that have
developed some robust open educational resources, and we (here at USF) are
moving to put all of our professional development materials and resources
freely available online (as well as our custom textbook) as a resource for
the field to be adapted and modified. That should appear this summer. I
mention these to give you alternative options to consider and to show some
things going on in the broader field.

Thus, it seems that the decision for a textbook is based on a number of
factors from cost, to faculty preference and background, to size of the
program and to local institutional needs (to name but a few factors). Not a
one size fits all model for sure.

Thanks for the question, Katrina. It's a good reminder to consistently be
reflective in our teaching practices.

Have a great week everyone!
Lisa

On Tue, Apr 9, 2019 at 11:58 AM Geoff Clegg <geoffrey.clegg at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Katrina,
>
> We're in a similar situation just north of you at Midwestern. I've moved
> to encouraging students to rent textbooks via Amazon or Chegg as they're
> more affordable options. I include the prices in my syllabus. However, I
> believe only three total students this semester out of my four sections
> purchased the textbook.
>
> I'm thinking the same thing and have been compiling examples, information,
> etc. to teach my full semester classes without a textbook. So far my summer
> sessions have been fine without a text.
>
> Geoff
>
> On Tue, Apr 9, 2019 at 10:45 AM Hinson, Dr. Katrina <KHINSON at tarleton.edu>
> wrote:
>
>> I've been puzzling over this question for a while and thought I'd see
>> what others thought. It's time for book orders to our bookstore ( both for
>> fall and for summer). Each time I have to place an order for books, I'm
>> always shocked by the price of the text and then knowing the bookstore is
>>  going to have its own mark up. In particular, I'm questioning the need for
>> technical writing textbook. I have seriously contemplated not using a
>> textbook for this particular class because I'm somewhat certain that few
>> students actually use it; some students can't afford it; and, good
>> information is also easily available online.  I'm also thinking the only
>> reason I require a textbook is because of a mental mindset that associates
>> college with textbooks. Anyway, I thought I'd see what others felt about
>> textbooks - to use or not use.
>>
>> I look forward to hearing your input.
>>
>> With regard,
>>
>>
>> *Dr. Katrina L. Hinson *
>> Dr. Katrina Hinson,
>> Ph.D. Rhetoric, Writing and Professional Communication
>> Assistant Professor of English
>> Tarleton State University
>> “progress not perfection"
>>
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>
>
> --
>
> *Geoffrey Clegg, PhD | Assistant Professor of English*
> English Department
> Midwestern State University
> Wichita Falls, TX 76308
> geoffrey.clegg at mwsu.edu
> geoffrey.clegg at gmail.com
>
>
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-- 
Lisa Melonçon, PhD
Co-Editor, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (
http://journals.upress.ufl.edu/rhm)
Book Series Editor, Foundations and Innovations in TPC (
https://wac.colostate.edu/books/tpc/)
Associate Professor, Technical Communication, Department of English
University of South Florida
4202 Fowler Avenue, CPR 311
Tampa, FL 33620-5550
Phone: 803-370-0008
Email: meloncon.research at gmail.com or meloncon at usf.edu
http://tek-ritr.com
Twitter:@lmeloncon
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