LEARNING MATHEMATICS WITH TEXTBOOKS

The mathematics textbook is an instrument for teaching and learning mathematics. Whereas a number of studies have examined the use of mathematics textbooks by teachers there is a dearth of research into the use of mathematics textbooks by students. In this paper results of an empirical investigation of the use of mathematics textbooks by students are presented. Firstly, a method to collect data on student's use of mathematics textbooks is introduced. This method was developed in accordance with the model of textbook use presented at PME 30. It is explicated, that this method is capable to explore the actual use of the mathematics textbook by students, and to find a way of recording the use of the mathematics textbook whenever and wherever students use it. Secondly, results from the study are presented. The results outlined in this paper focus on typical self-directed uses of the mathematics textbook by students.