The Spectrum's recent article about the Student Association's open forum on textbook prices ("Book prices, on-campus safety top forum discussions" Nov. 10) failed to provide an accurate understanding of the changing nature of today's college textbooks.
America's publishers are investing in textbooks and course materials that help students succeed and get the most out of their higher education dollar. At the same time, publishers are very sympathetic to students' concerns about textbook costs. That's why publishers offer thousands of textbooks and instructional tools, from which professors can choose, at a wide range of prices.
For example, there are 216 current introductory psychology titles on sale in college bookstores around the country at retail prices ranging from $23.44 to $120.54. This variety allows faculty and students to use course materials that best suit their educational needs.
A majority of instructors are using new teaching materials, such as CDs, online self-assessment tests, interactive learning tools and online homework. According to one survey, 75 percent of professors require or recommend that students use textbooks with these types of supplementary materials. Research shows that students who use these advanced textbooks and learning tools earn better grades and graduate sooner.
Still, textbooks are only one of the many options available to faculty. Academic freedom enables faculty to be the key decision makers on what materials will be used in their classrooms. Professors can write their own books, create course packs, take public information off the Internet, or work with publishers to create custom books.
As the cost of higher education continues to escalate, today's college textbooks may be the best long-term investment a student can make.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
