Event Title
Readability Levels of College Chemistry Textbooks from Introductory Chemistry to Physical Chemistry
Location
CSU 255A/B
Start Date
23-4-2007 10:00 AM
End Date
23-4-2007 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Jeffrey R. Pribyl
Mentor's Department
Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The perception of many students is that their chemistry textbooks are difficult to read. Textbooks often present too many concepts at once and contain numerous vocabulary words in a unit. The reading level, also known as the readability level, is an important factor to be considered during textbook selection. My work demonstrates that chemistry textbooks typically are written at a reading level above college students' abilities. Numerous college chemistry textbooks used throughout an undergraduate chemistry program (from Introductory Chemistry to Physical Chemistry) were analyzed for their readability level using several standard readability formulas and graphs. Results of this work show that organic and biochemistry textbooks are the most difficult to read due to the extensive use of chemical nomenclature. Readability levels of textbooks in the various chemical disciplines will be discussed.
Readability Levels of College Chemistry Textbooks from Introductory Chemistry to Physical Chemistry
CSU 255A/B
The perception of many students is that their chemistry textbooks are difficult to read. Textbooks often present too many concepts at once and contain numerous vocabulary words in a unit. The reading level, also known as the readability level, is an important factor to be considered during textbook selection. My work demonstrates that chemistry textbooks typically are written at a reading level above college students' abilities. Numerous college chemistry textbooks used throughout an undergraduate chemistry program (from Introductory Chemistry to Physical Chemistry) were analyzed for their readability level using several standard readability formulas and graphs. Results of this work show that organic and biochemistry textbooks are the most difficult to read due to the extensive use of chemical nomenclature. Readability levels of textbooks in the various chemical disciplines will be discussed.
Recommended Citation
Drommerhausen, Elizabeth A.. "Readability Levels of College Chemistry Textbooks from Introductory Chemistry to Physical Chemistry." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 23, 2007.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2007/oral-session-05/1
