A Comparative Investigation Of Secondary Biology Textbooks (PEP And Pearson Version) Used In Chinese And American Schools

At present, China and America are actively promoting the new curriculum reform. Textbook as a carrier of educational content, has a pivotal role in the new curriculum reform. This thesis compared the secondary school biology textbooks (PEP and Pearson Version) used in Chinese and American schools, expecting to provide some beneficial references and recommendations for the reform of biology textbooks.In this study, document analysis, comparative study and illustrate method are used to research intuitive structure, content system, design feature of both version of the biology textbooks. Textbook intuitive structure includes the cover, table of contents, style, column; Content system includes the selection and organization of content, readability of content, assisted learning content; And design feature includes experimental inquiry, disciplines, STS education and the history of life science.Research results show that both versions have something in common:they all pay attention to students’biological scientific literacy, and highlight the scientific inquiry, the education of STS, disciplinary education and life science history. However, they have their own characteristics. PEP materials focus on systematic knowledge, beautiful language, various columns, set27experiments, and add the history of life sciences to the text to highlight the students’ability to explore. Pearson textbook attaches importance to closing to life, practical language, analogical ways, its index and appendix are powerful, and it has132experiments to train students thinking ability.At the end of the study, some advices are taken to the improvement of textbook. Firstly, we should perfect textbook catalog and analogies, and add real photos, advanced materials and kinds of experiments into the textbook. Secondly, we should ensure the experimental inquiry and extracurricular activities. At last, teachers should make creative use of teaching materials, pay attention to social issues and the latest knowledge and cultivate students’ creativity and problem solving ability.