ENGL 489 Research Paper Outline

I.                    Introduction – A one page summary of the research project as a whole. The intro will address the concept that textbooks have changed since the mid-19^th century. Additionally textbooks are used differently as well. Why? Changes in printing/publishing technology, new family and class structures that encourage diversity, changes in teaching philosophies, and the influence of the internet culture. Possible thesis: Textbooks have changed and evolved drastically since the mid 1800’s due to the influence of popular culture on teaching philosophies and styles.

II.                  Body – 14 + pages of research, data, and inferences

A.      Conventions in Textbooks- 3 + pages of comparison between historical textbooks and modern ones looking only at conventions. This includes font style and size, format, lesson progression, images, line spacing, headings, chapter format, number of pages in the book. While this is different for every textbook, I will analyze several and respond based on average findings. 

B.      Technology Advancements- 1+ page of the history of printing and publishing technology. What new inventions helped textbooks become available in mass quantities and cheaper to buy? Did these advancements affect the conventions listed above?

C.      Changes in family & class structures- 3+ pages looking at the changes in class structures and family dynamics. How did this promote diversity? How did textbooks respond? Changes in images, names in word problems, themes of word problems, etc.

D.      Development of teaching styles/philosophies- 6 + pages on national movements in teaching methods. A look into rote learning, progressivism, essentialism, and social constructivism and how each affected the look and content of textbooks. Also a short look into how government set standards has changed content and focus areas within different grades.

E.       Internet culture and digital teaching- 2+ pages on technology in the classroom and youth participation within the internet culture. How has this changed teacher’s use of textbooks? Look into how technology in classrooms promotes social constructivism and therefore encourages teachers to not use textbooks. Research use of e-books as well.

III.                Conclusion – 1 page or less of summarized proof for the thesis. Possible conclusion: Popular culture highly affects the way schools are run and the teaching methods teachers use. This has a direct correlation to how textbooks are written and used.