Schoolbook Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“š
Add to dictionary

schoolbook

[หˆskuหl.bสŠk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

educational materials

A schoolbook is a book that is used as a standard work for the study of a particular subject. Typically, schoolbooks are designed for use by students and contain information pertinent to a specific curriculum. They may include text, illustrations, exercises, and other educational resources to aid in learning. Schoolbooks can vary widely in content and format, encompassing textbooks, workbooks, and reference materials. They play a crucial role in providing students with the knowledge and information required for their studies.

Synonyms

manual, textbook, workbook.

Examples of usage

  • I need to buy the schoolbook for my math class.
  • The teacher assigned chapters from the schoolbook for homework.
  • She lost her schoolbook and had to borrow one from a friend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of schoolbooks dates back to ancient cultures, where writings on clay tablets or papyrus served as educational materials.
  • In medieval Europe, schoolbooks were often written by monks in Latin and were primarily available to wealthy individuals.
  • The invention of the printing press in the 15th century drastically increased the availability of schoolbooks, making education more accessible.

Cultural Impact

  • Schoolbooks reflect societal values and knowledge, shaping the education system and influencing generations of students.
  • In some cultures, schoolbooks are considered sacred and are treated with reverence, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge.
  • Textbook publication is a massive industry, demonstrating the importance of education around the world and leading to changing perspectives on teaching.

Education

  • Schoolbooks are often designed to align with national curriculums, ensuring that students learn what is deemed important by educational authorities.
  • In recent years, digital schoolbooks have emerged, providing interactive features that engage students with multimedia content.
  • The shift towards open educational resources (OER) allows people to access schoolbooks freely, promoting equality in education.

Psychology

  • Research shows that colorful illustrations and relatable storytelling in schoolbooks improve memory retention for young learners.
  • Schoolbooks that include multicultural perspectives help foster empathy and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds.
  • The design of schoolbooks influences student motivation; a well-organized, visually appealing layout can encourage a love for learning.

Technology

  • Digital schoolbooks can be updated constantly, allowing for the inclusion of the latest information, which is crucial in rapidly changing subjects.
  • Apps and online platforms are emerging as alternatives to traditional schoolbooks, providing interactive learning experiences tailored to each studentโ€™s needs.
  • The advent of e-readers has revolutionized how students access schoolbooks, allowing them to carry multiple volumes in one device.

Origin of 'schoolbook'

The term 'schoolbook' originates from the combination of the words 'school' and 'book'. The word 'school' has its roots in the Greek word 'scholฤ“', meaning leisure or discussion, which evolved to refer to a place of learning. The word 'book' comes from the Old English 'bลc', which is derived from the Proto-West Germanic 'bลkล', related to the word for 'beech tree', as early writing was often done on beech wood. 'Schoolbooks' became a common term during the medieval period as education became more formalized within institutions, leading to the publication and distribution of standardized educational texts for students. As the printing press developed, it allowed for the mass production of schoolbooks, significantly impacting the accessibility of education.