'Complex and confusing': the language demands of school science texts

Background In many classrooms, science textbooks remain a significant tool, functioning in some instances as the de facto curriculum and influencing pedagogical practices. Such conventions are more noticeable in the science classrooms of developing countries, like Jamaica, because of a chronic shortage of specialist science teachers and the scarcity of equipment for laboratory activities. Given the centrality of science textbooks and their ubiquitous use, it is important that they meet the requirements of the learners. Yet, much empirical evidence indicate that the language of science textbooks remains incomprehensible to many students. Purpose This paper attempts to ascertain the extent to which the language of a popular science textbook is accessible to Jamaican students. Sample A purposive sampling technique was used to determine the sample which consisted of 450 Year 7 students drawn from five secondary school types in Jamaica. In addition, sub-samples of 30 students and 18 teachers from the five school types were selected for focus groups and interviews. Design and methods This study combined readability formulae, cloze tests, focus groups and individual interview research methods. Such an approach not only afforded triangulation that enhanced the credibility of the findings but also provided interesting contrasting perspectives to address the research question. Results The empirical evidence from the cloze test and readability index indicates that the textbook studied was challenging and demanding for the target audience. Data from the interviews indicates that the language used in the construction of science content knowledge in textbooks was the main source of difficulty for many Jamaican students. The major areas of language difficulties were related to the unsystematic use of scientific terminologies and the overuse of complex sentences. Conclusion A Vygotskyan scaffolding intervention framework which includes using a smaller number of key vocabulary words is recommended.