Interactions of teachers’ and students’ use of mathematics textbooks

Abstract

Mathematics textbooks are considered to play a major role as a resource in the teaching and learning of mathematics. In many countries, the mathematics textbook is a resource that is shared by teachers and students. Nevertheless, studies on the use of textbooks tend to focus solely on either the teacher or on the student. Little attention has been paid to interactions of teachers’ and students’ use of textbooks. In this chapter the impact of teachers’ use of textbooks on students and vice versa will be discussed. On the basis of these findings it is argued that theoretical frameworks conceptualising the use of shared resources must include both, teachers and students as users of the resources to draw a comprehensive picture. Finally, a more comprehensive model for the investigation of the use of resources is suggested.