Textbook-based

Textbook-based refers to an educational approach, curriculum, or learning material primarily derived from or centered around a textbook or a set of textbooks. This method emphasizes the use of textbooks as the primary source of information, instruction, and assessment. It often involves lectures, readings, and assignments that directly correspond to the textbook content. While efficient for delivering standardized knowledge, it may be criticized for potentially limiting student exploration, critical thinking, and engagement with diverse perspectives or real-world applications if implemented rigidly. The focus is typically on covering prescribed content.

Textbook-based meaning with examples

• The history teacher's lessons were entirely textbook-based, relying on chapters, quizzes, and end-of-chapter questions. While structured, students sometimes struggled to connect historical events to contemporary issues or form independent analyses. Discussions rarely moved beyond the textbook's prescribed narrative. Supplemental materials, such as primary source excerpts, were rarely used.
• Due to limited resources, the rural school adopted a completely textbook-based science curriculum. The teachers followed the textbook's experiments, focusing on rote memorization of scientific facts and principles. Hands-on activities or opportunities for scientific inquiry were constrained. Students' understanding sometimes lacked depth beyond the textbook’s basic explanations.
• The university's introductory economics course was designed to be textbook-based. The professor assigned weekly readings and posed questions. The tests evaluated students' comprehension of economic principles, the goal being a complete grasp of that part of the book. Students occasionally felt challenged to relate economic concepts to their own experiences or understand varying perspectives.
• The homeschooling curriculum was structured to be textbook-based, covering all subjects with commercially available textbooks. The parents guided the children through the readings, providing explanations and support as needed. This method granted predictability, but often felt limiting when the children wanted to explore different subjects or pursue their specific interests.