An Assignment on Textbook Analysis

INDIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

TEXTBOOK FOR CLASS XI

Paper Code: 124

Economics (Method –II)

Submitted By: Kiran Ghosh

Course: B.Ed. Semester- II; Roll No: 30

Submitted To: Dr. Shyamsundar Bairagya

Department of Education
Vinaya Bhavana, Visva-Bharati
Introduction:

Critical Analysis of the Textbook is a very important part of the B.Ed. course in Visva-Bharati. In this
assignment I will analyze the Economics Textbook of Class – XI, published by NCERT (National Council of
Educational Research and Training) from an independent and unbiased viewpoint. But before I go
ahead, it is very essential to introduce the criteria of a good textbook.

Criteria of a Good Textbook

Criterion-1: Scope and sequence

1.1: Textbook contains a comprehensive standard scope and sequence for a particular college course or
set of courses.

1.2: Textbook is easily divisible into smaller sections, with text that is not overly self-referential in order
to enable modularity as much as possible.

Criterion-2: Content accuracy

2.1: Textbook contains accurate content without factual errors.

2.2: Content is presented with no or minimal bias or slant, taking into accounts the context of the
particular subject being addressed.

2.3: Content is up-to-date and avoids presenting information that will make the text obsolete quickly,
taking into account the particular subject being addressed.

2.4: Content has been reviewed by subject matter experts through a peer review process – preferably,
but not restricted to, double-blind peer review.

Criterion-3: Instructional Design

3.1: Textbook contains a variety of instructional materials, including reflective questions, learning
activities, and other features which promote learner engagement and active learning.

3.2: The relationship between the use of the textbook and fulfilling particular learning outcomes is
clearly explained.
Criterion- 4: Text Clarity

4.1: Content is written in accessible and internally-consistent prose for the intended reader.

4.2: Textbook contains a structured, clear, and logical progression of topics.

4.3: Textbook contains no grammatical, spelling, or other typographical errors.

Criterion-5: Visual Clarity and Fidelity

5.1: Textbook does not contain distorted images or charts, and does not contain any other display
features that may distract or confuse the reader.

5.2: Image resolution is up to the current standard for all viewing devices.

Criterion 6: Accessibility and Inclusive Design

6.1: Textbook provides accessible and structured text and images to meet the needs of diverse learners.

6.2: Textbook reflects diversity and inclusion regarding culture, gender, ethnicity, national origin, age,
disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion, whenever possible, taking into account the context
of the particular subject being addressed.

Criterion 7: Ancillary Materials

7.1: Textbook has high-quality ancillary (supplementary) materials which aid the learner or instructor in
the learning or teaching process respectively.
INDIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TEXTBOOK FOR CLASS XI
 Analysis of the Textbook
The shape and size of the textbook is quite attractive. It is not very thick and wide as well – so
students will be impressed rather feeling anxious after seeing the book. But the cover design of the
textbook can be more colourful and attractive. The quality of the paper and the colour print can be
considered as average. But the book has supportive images, important points are summarized in
Boxes and maps, charts are also making the content of the book quite accessible and various ‘Brain-
Storming’ activities are there that will arouse interest among the students. Printing mistakes are
almost rare in the textbook. The price of this NCERT Economics textbook is less than 100 Rupees
which is quite affordable. The PDF version is available on the internet free of cost, which is a very
good thing in promoting education digitally.

The book contains the whole prescribed syllabus. The organisation of the contents is as per the
needs of the pupil. It also fulfils the need and interests of the pupils. It has no incorrect information,
statements, principles, laws, theories, figures or illustrations. The topics are appropriately supported
with pictures, diagrams, graphs etc. The sub-headings, sub-topics are distributed appropriately. The
textbook incorporated summary recapitulation at the end of each chapter. Each chapter has begun
with a brief description which is very good sign of a good textbook. There is no controversial matter
has been included in any part of the textbook. The textbook helps the students in linking the subject
with their daily process. It has followed all the maxims which are essential.

The entire book INDIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT is divided into 4 units and all total there are 10

chapters, which are as follows:

Unit – 1: DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND EXPERIENCE (1947-90)

Chapter -1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

Chapter -2: Indian Economy 1950–1990

 Unit - 2: ECONOMIC REFORMS SINCE 1991

Chapter-3: LIBERALISATION, PRIVATISATION AND GLOBALISATION: AN APPRAISAL

Unit-3: CURRENT CHALLENGES FACING THE INDIAN ECONOMY

Chapter-4: POVERTY

Chapter-5: HUMAN CAPITAL FORMATION IN INDIA

Chapter-6: RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Chapter-7: EMPLOYMENT: GROWTH, INFORMALISATION AND OTHER ISSUES

Chapter-8: INFRASTRUCTURE

Chapter-9: ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Unit-4: DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES OF INDIA: A COMPARISON WITH NEIGHBOURS

Chapter-10: COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES OF INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

CHAPTERWISE ANALYSIS OF THE TEXTBOOK

Chapter -1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

After studying this chapter, the learners will • become familiar with the state of the Indian economy in
1947, the year of India’s Independence • understand the factors that led to the underdevelopment and
stagnation of the Indian economy.

Chapter -2: Indian Economy 1950–1990

After studying this chapter, the learners will • come to know the goals of India’s five year plans • know
about the development policies in different sectors such as agriculture and industry from 1950-1990 •
learn to think about the merits and limitations of a regulated economy.
Chapter-3: LIBERALISATION, PRIVATISATION AND GLOBALISATION: AN APPRAISAL

After studying this chapter, the learners will • understand the background of the reform policies
introduced in India in 1991 • understand the mechanism through which reform policies were introduced
• comprehend the process of globalisation and its implications for India • be aware of the impact of the
reform process in various sectors.

Chapter-4: POVERTY

After studying this chapter, the learners will • understand the various attributes of poverty •
comprehend the diverse dimensions relating to the concept of poverty • critically appreciate the way
poverty is estimated • appreciate and be able to assess existing poverty alleviation programmes.

Chapter-5: HUMAN CAPITAL FORMATION IN INDIA

After studying this chapter, the learners will understand • the concepts of Human Resource, Human
Capital Formation and Human Development • the links between investment in human capital, economic
growth and human development • the need for government spending on education and health • the
state of India’s educational attainment.

Chapter-6: RURAL DEVELOPMENT

After studying this chapter, the learners will • understand rural development and the major issues
associated with it • appreciate how crucial the development of rural areas is for India’s overall
development • understand the critical role of credit and marketing systems in rural development • learn
about the importance of diversification of productive activities to sustain livelihoods • understand the
significance of organic farming in sustainable development.

Chapter-7: EMPLOYMENT: GROWTH, INFORMALISATION AND OTHER ISSUES

After studying this chapter, the learners will • understand a few basic concepts relating to employment
such as economic activity, worker, workforce and unemployment • understand the nature of
participation of men and women in various economic activities in various sectors • know the nature and
extent of unemployment • assess the initiatives taken by the government in generating employment
opportunities in various sectors and regions.

Chapter-8: INFRASTRUCTURE

After studying this chapter, the learners will • understand the main challenges India faces in the areas of
social and economic infrastructure • know the role of infrastructure in economic development •
understand the role of energy as a critical component of infrastructure • understand the problems and
prospects of the energy and health sectors • understand the health infrastructure of India.

Chapter-9: ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

After studying this chapter, the learners will • understand the concept of environment • analyse the
causes and effects of ‘environmental degradation’ and ‘resource depletion’ • understand the nature of
environmental challenges facing India • relate environmental issues to the larger context of sustainable
development.

Chapter-10: COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES OF INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

After studying this chapter, the learners will • figure out comparative trends in various economic and
human development indicators of India and its neighbours, China and Pakistan • assess the strategies
that these countries have adopted to reach their present state of development.

Conclusion & Suggestions

The syllabus and the textbook of class XI Economics have been found suitable for the students as well as
for the teachers. All the topics from the syllabus are explained thoroughly in the textbook. The
examples, drawings and data provided in the book helps the students for self-study. It is positive sign of
the textbook. Moreover, the languages used in the chapters are easy and simple so that students can
understand easily. Well planned chapters with simple, short and correct sentences make it a good
resource book.
The information given in the textbook is up to date. The content, presentation and supportive pictures,
graphs and other ancillary information really help the teacher to achieve those instructional objectives.
Charts and bars and supportive pictures will make the studying fun. Recap section is quite good –
summarizes the entire chapter in minimal words. The content is supported by many interesting
information in the Boxes, tables and sketches or diagram. Besides there are certain suggested activities
given that will help the students to gain some extra knowledge if performed carefully. The exercise
section is quite helpful to check whether the students have achieved all the instructional objectives or
not! The Exercise section has also covered all levels of knowledge, especially the Knowledge,
Understanding and Application level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. A Glossary section is also there, which is
very useful to revise any concept or get to know the meaning of a particular terminology.

Along with these good sign, we have found some negative sides of the textbook too. The paper used in
the textbook could be little bit high quality. The bindings of the books are not satisfactory as many of the
pages from the book are not sewed well. References are cited properly in the textbook that will be
helpful for further study. But it has no appendix.

The textbook preparing committee should aware that the textbook can attract the students by its cover
page and so the committee could make it more attractive for the students. Furthermore, no footnotes
were noticed in the textbook in any chapters. If the textbook and syllabus preparing committee gives
more importance in the above mentioned points then the textbook of Economics of class XI would be
more fruitful and gives good result in academic areas.

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