Analysis of 7th Grade Social Studies Course Book According to Different Readability Formulas

Abstract

Readability formulas are estimation tools for gradually classifying the text in terms of its difficulty or easiness based on text's observable lingual features. The most important feature of the course books is constructing the framework of gaining ability, basis of knowledge, perceptions and conceptualization regarding a scientific field for students. The suitability of the course book to the level will provide understanding the subjects easily for students. In the study, readability and suitability to the target age group of secondary school 7th grade social studies course books that belong to seven different publishers were determined. Descriptive model based on document review was used for the study. Felsch reading easiness readability formula, SMOG readability formula, gunning difficulty indicator, Fry graphic readability formula, and the readability formula which was developed by Ateşman for Turkish language were applied to the texts chosen from course books that were published by both MEB Publishing and private publishing companies. As well as these formulas, for researching the readability of 7th grade social studies course books, CLOZE test procedure, which has an international validity, was used. Sample of the study consists of all 7th grades from all schools of central county of Artvin. At the end of the study, it was found that the course books were not suitable for the target population for all class levels according to all formulas except for the formula which was developed by Ateşman for the Turkish language. According to the Ateşman's formula, course books' difficulty level was medium.