The Capacity of Junior Secondary Math Textbooks to Enhance Deep Learning

In this paper, a content analysis study is reported seeking to assess lower secondary math textbooks with regard to deep learning of mathematical concepts. Accordingly, three topics from the seventh, eighth and ninth grade math textbooks were selected for this content analysis, namely arithmetic, algebra and numbers. During the procedure for this content analysis, each problem was considered as an analysis unit. Theoretical framework derived from the literature and modified to investigate the textbook problems with four criteria: procedural complexity, type of solving processes, the degree of repetition, Exercise/Application. The results showed that with the first criterion, almost 80% of all three textbooks’ problems were in the "low procedural complexity" category; With the second criterion, 90% of the eighth and ninth grade textbooks’ problems could be solved with the solving process "using procedures", while this proportion was 80% for the seventh grade textbooks problems. With the third and fourth criteria, in all three textbooks, the problems were mainly categoized as "repetition" (60%) and "exercise" (90%). To sum up, the results of the analysis showed that in the mentioned topics, there were a high number of low complexity exercises that can be solved by using pre-learned procedures. As a result, it could be deduced that lower secondary math textbooks are far from the intended curriculum objectives and rely further on learning through drill and practice.