A Classroom Without Books Is Not Progress

Education Next

by Robert C. Thornett

Mar 13, 2025

​In the article "A Classroom Without Books Is Not Progress," Robert C. Thornett critiques the growing trend of schools abandoning traditional textbooks in favor of digital resources or fragmented materials, arguing that this shift undermines educational quality and coherence. ​

The Decline of Textbook Usage

Thornett observes that, despite the unprecedented accessibility of books in the digital age, many schools are moving away from using physical textbooks. He notes that in his two decades of teaching, numerous excellent textbooks have remained untouched, with educators opting for PowerPoints, worksheets, or lectures instead. Some institutions, including high-tuition private schools, have ceased purchasing textbooks altogether under the guise of granting teachers more freedom. Thornett challenges this rationale, questioning how withholding resources equates to freedom and suggesting that avoiding textbooks can lead to a lack of accountability and the adoption of unsound teaching practices. ​educationnext.org

Consequences of Abandoning Textbooks

The shift away from textbooks often results in the use of disparate, unvetted materials. Teachers may rely on homemade lesson plans or online resources compiled without rigorous oversight, leading to inconsistencies in educational quality. This approach can place additional burdens on educators, who might spend their own money to acquire suitable materials. Thornett emphasizes that well-crafted textbooks, developed by experienced authors and editors, provide carefully organized content, including narratives, diagrams, maps, and homework questions, which are not easily replicated through ad-hoc resources. ​educationnext.org

Impact on Curriculum Coherence

Textbooks have traditionally served as de facto guides to mandatory curricula, ensuring alignment with state learning standards. Their absence can lead to curricular disarray, forcing teachers to create materials and assessments without clear benchmarks. Thornett references Jill Berkowicz and Ann Myers, who warn that moving away from print texts eliminates an "accountability system" that allowed various stakeholders to track progress through the curriculum. Without textbooks, educators may struggle to design assessments that accurately reflect learning objectives, leading to uncertainty in educational outcomes. ​

Challenges with Digital Alternatives

While e-books offer advantages like cost savings and portability, they also present significant drawbacks. A 2018 study in Educational Research Review found that screens have a "detrimental effect" on reading comprehension, which "increases over time." Additionally, increased screen time contributes to digital fatigue among students, potentially hindering their learning experience. Thornett cautions against replacing effective traditional methods with digital alternatives that may sound innovative but lack proven efficacy. ​

Advocating for Textbook Use

Thornett calls on parents to advocate for the use of textbooks in schools. He suggests that parents inquire about the availability and utilization of textbooks during school events and engage with educators to understand their instructional materials. Reintroducing textbooks into classrooms can play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and ensuring a structured, accountable educational framework. ​

Conclusion

The move away from traditional textbooks in favor of digital or piecemeal resources poses challenges to educational quality and coherence. Thornett argues that textbooks provide structured, vetted, and comprehensive content essential for effective teaching and learning. He urges educators and parents to recognize the value of textbooks in maintaining curriculum standards and supporting student learning. ​

Citation:

Thornett, R. C. (2025, March 13). A Classroom Without Books Is Not Progress. Education Next.

Education Next

by Robert C. Thornett

Mar 13, 2025

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com