CIET | Online Survey of Research in Education

Gosai, B H. (1998). An evaluation of Reading Material Published by Gujarat State Textbook Board for Neo-Literates. Unpublished. Ph.D., Education. Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

Major objectives were: (1) To develop a rating scale for the evaluation of reading material for neo-literates published by Gujarat State Textbook Board. (2) To evaluate the reading material for neo-literates published by Gujarat State Textbook Board using the rating scale.

There were 90 booklets as the universe of the reading material for the neo-literates. All the 90 booklets were selected in the sample of the study.

A rating scale for evaluating the reading material was developed by following the systematic procedure- variation of the aspects of the reading material to be evaluated, development of the pilot form of the scale, review of the pilot form of the scale by experts, revision of the scale and selection of the final group of experts to evaluate the reading material using the final form of the scale. There were seven sections in the final form of the scale: content (26 items), language (12 items), illustrations (7 items), physical appearance (4 items), printing (3 items), paper (one item), and price (one item). Each item had a 3-point rating scale. The inter-rater reliability was established for the rating scale.

There were 10 experts for the final evaluation of the booklets. The experts were selected purposively. The experts were individually interviewed during three months for the data collection.

The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Major findings were: (1) Most of the booklets were at an average level for developing reading capability, reading interest, decision-making ability, scientific temperament, religious tolerance, international understanding, change proneness, and cultural awareness of the neo-literates. (2) Generally, the content of the reading material was relevant, modern, readable, thought provoking and interesting. (3) From linguistic point of view, the material was constructed with easy vocabulary and sentences. (4) The presentation of the material in the booklets was systematic and user-friendly,but most of the booklets were at lower level for relevant headings in the lessons. (5) The illustrations in the material were appropriate for the level of neo-literates, but they were not attractive. (6) The overall quality of the reading material was average. (7) The number of pages, shape and size title pages, binding, printing, price, and general physical appearance of the booklets were satisfactory.

Keyword(s): Neo-Literates, Gujarat State Textbook, Evaluation of Reading Material