A Study On The Functions And Applications Of Textbook Explanations In Senior High School Mathematics Textbooks Published By People’s Education Press (Version A)

In the General High School Experimental Maths Textbooks of Curriculum Standards (A), there are a number of terms such as Explorations, Brainstorms, Observations and Notes, which are called by a joint name in this paper--Textbook Explanations. In this paper,2questionnaires are designed to investigate198teachers and273students in order to know about the factual understanding and usage situations of Textbook Explanations in the students and teachers. This paper analyses the functions and the current situation of Textbook Explanations, and explains the reason why they are not fully used and their specific applications, both from the angle of teachers and students.From the point of teachers, the functions of Textbook Explanations are mainly embodied in the following6aspects, including "Reviewing old knowledge","Creating teaching situations","Infiltrating Maths culture and activating class atmosphere","Preparing for the text and realizing a smooth transition","Consolidating new knowledge and rethinking the teaching procedures","Guiding students to do self-study and promoting their math literacy" and "Providing proposition materials and enhancing teaching evaluation".From the students’ point of view, Textbook Explanations mainly have5functions, namely,"Illuminating common sense and broadening math perspectives","Complementing core content and deepening students’understanding","Telling math history and creating cultural atmosphere","Enlightening students in math methods and skills and enhancing learning efficiency" and "Activating students to do self-study and promoting development of thinking".The usage condition of Textbook Explanations is not quite optimistic. Influenced by teaching schedule or limited by professional quality, teachers always neglect the usage of Textbook Explanations. In addition, under heavy academic pressure and without correct guiding, students do not attach importance to Textbook Explanations, either.For teachers, the application of Textbook Explanations mainly consists of2aspects-helping practical teaching and improving professional quality. As for students, Textbook Explanations mainly have3kinds of applications, including previewing and reviewing lessons and doing research study.