College Texts

I’ll be teaching a college class online during fall semester. Today, I started evaluating the textbook I used last fall. The book is fifteen chapters, just enough for a chapter a week to be covered. I share a lot of my own experience in this class. When you have lived more than half of your life, you can do that.

I searched other texts on the same topic. My heart goes out to these students. Why do textbooks cost so much? The other alternative I was looking at was almost three hundred dollars. I would never want to require a text that costs that much. How much can be in a text? Paper, printing, cover, author fees, publisher fees…I’m sure there are more fees. The text I used last year is eighty dollars, and I think that’s a lot for college kids. I will continue looking, but I have a feeling that last year’s text will probably be the most economical option. They can get an e-book, but if they are like me, it is more challenging to learn with the screen.

When choosing a textbook, it is essential to consider the students’ needs. Keeping students in school to better themselves is key to their future success. Ensuring affordability is the institution’s responsibility.

Later…