Where is a good place to shop for textbooks? Like, physically browse through them and make an informed choice?
I'm deciding on a summer program for my summer school students and I thought it would be a nice idea to introduce the entire curriculum to them in the summer.
Therefore, I'm searching for the best textbook to teach and have them learn from. If anyone has any experience in this area, I would appreciate any advice you guys have.
I also live in the NYC region and I'm having a hard time finding a place to shop from. Internet shopping is nice but its difficult to judge the content and depth of some of the publishers.
What do you guys think of my dilemma?
2007-03-28 08:01:12 · 5 answers · asked by ? 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Hah! How I wish there were a "textbook supermarket" like what you describe!
The only method I'm aware of is to write or call textbook publishing houses (Doubleday, Glencoe etc.) and ask for examination copies of the titles (or subject and grade level) you are interested in. Some will send a copy with no strings, some will want it returned in a couple of weeks. Either way, you have it in your hands to help with the decision-making.
Good luck from one who's been there!
2007-03-28 08:17:39 · answer #1 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband requests examination copies of textbooks from various publishing companies and gets freebies that way. I'd try that if I were you. You might also want to email a few local universities and see if their education department has a library of local area textbooks. Mine did for some reason, and we got to look through all of them in college. You should also check with your central office and/or the person in charge of curriculum for your district. They'd probably be the best source. Good luck!
2007-03-28 21:52:50 · answer #2 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your course enrollment is large enough you may want to contact the textbook publishers directly and they will send you an 'instructors edition' of the book you are interested in. If you obtain a copy or each competing text you will have plenty of time to go over them and make an informed choice.
2007-03-29 11:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out when textbook adoptions are taking place in a school district near you. Textbook companies actually do "shows" sometimes where they display all of their books in a central location for teachers and school administrators to browse. They even give stuff away.
2007-03-28 20:44:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many times you can call the textbook manufacurers and they will send you a 'sample.' That would be my only read advice.
2007-03-28 15:23:40 · answer #5 · answered by tchrnmommy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋