Nominees for the Textbook Award 2016
Innovative Textbooks in the Categories ‘Languages’ and ‘History and Society’
On March 18, 2016, the Georg Eckert Institute will present the fifth annual ‘Textbook of the Year’ award at the Leipzig Book Fair in cooperation with the Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung). With this award, the Institute for International Textbook Research recognises editors and authors who have developed and implemented especially innovative textbook concepts. The prize is presented under the patronage of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs.
Each year, the Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research (GEI) presents an award for best textbook in the categories ‘languages’, ‘history and society’, and ‘STEM’. This year’s prize will recognise innovative textbooks at the upper secondary school level. The expert jury from academia, educational practice and publishing has chosen to nominate textbooks in the categories ‘languages’ and ‘history and society’ only. ‘The newest textbooks in the STEM subjects were unconvincing this year, so the jury chose not to award a prize in this category. By contrast, the high level of submitted work in the other two categories impressed us so thoroughly that we will present one book with a special prize’, Prof. Eckhardt Fuchs, member of the jury and director of the Georg Eckert Institute, explained. ‘With the “Textbook of the Year” award, we hope to demonstrate textbooks’ societal significance and contribute to improving and further developing educational material’.
What makes the six nominees so special? The jury agreed: These textbooks demonstrate a high level of creativity that comes through in the contemporary development of subject-specific core issues, the elaborate and nuanced approach to different learning styles, and a striking variety of material. ‘Extraordinary textbooks stand out for their understanding of students’ lives, their varied design and their vivid presentation of content. Books like the six nominated here pique the reader’s curiosity and encourage independent thought. Through differentiated material and assignments, they foster individualisation and provide ideas that can shape modern teaching and learning processes’, said Brunhild Kurth, vice-president of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and Saxony’s Minister of Culture.
The winners will be announced at an award ceremony at the Leipzig Book Fair. It will take place on March 18, 2016, at 2 p.m. in CCL, Auditorium 3.
Nominees in the category ‘Languages’
- Bachillerato, Spanisch für die Oberstufe
Klett Verlag 2013
- Green Line, Oberstufe Grund- und Leistungskurs, NRW
Klett Verlag 2015
- Punto de Vista, Nueva Edición, Texte und Aufgaben für die Oberstufe
Cornelsen Verlag 2014
Nominees in the category ‘History and Society’
- Diercke Praxis, Arbeits- und Lernbuch, Qualifikationsphase
Westermann Verlag 2015
- Geschichte und Geschehen, Einführungsphase, Oberstufe, NRW
Klett Verlag 2014
- Philo, Einführungsphase, NRW
C.C. Buchner 2014
About the Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research (GEI)
The GEI conducts textbook research informed by history and cultural studies, and as an academic institute, it works to improve school education around the world. The research library holds more than 175,000 textbooks and curricula from over 170 countries. With the information and communication portal Edumeres.net, the GEI offers virtual access to research on textbooks and other educational media. The Institute provides recommendations to politicians and educators on textbooks and other educational media. Digital research infrastructure expands the capabilities of textbook research worldwide. In 2015, the GEI celebrated its 40th anniversary. More information: www.gei.de
About the Federal Agency for Civic Education
At its core, the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) aims to promote awareness of democracy and political participation. Through events, print publications, audio-visual productions and online services, the bpb takes on current and historical topics. Bpb events include conferences, workshops, festivals, conventions, exhibits, study trips, competitions, film seminars, and cultural events, as well as professional development for journalists. The bpb’s broad range of educational activities is designed to motivate and enable people to think critically about political and social issues and to play and active role in shaping political life. More information: www.bpb.de
Contact
Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research
Catrin Schoeneville
Press and Public Relations
Celler Strasse 3
38114 Braunschweig
Tel.: +49 (0)531 / 59099 -504
E-Mail: schoneville(at)leibniz-gei.de
Pressekontakt bpb
Federal Agency for Civic Education
Daniel Kraft
Adenauerallee 86
53113 Bonn
Tel +49 (0)228 99515-200
Fax +49 (0)228 99515-293
E-Mail: presse(at)bpb.de
www.bpb.de/presse
