Difficulties and Coping Methods Encountered by Authors of 5th and 6th Grade Science Textbooks: Based on Grounded Theory

Abstract

This research is an investigation of difficulties encountered by authors of 5th and 6th grade science textbooks. The aim is to assist authors in creating more easily understandable textbooks in the future. In-depth interviews were conducted with 6 teachers who have previously taken part in the development of 5th and 6th grade texts. The responses given during these interviews were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding as suggested by Strauss and Corbin (1998). The results are as follows: In open coding, related concepts were extracted and classified into 15 main categories and 46 sub-categories. In axial coding, the main categories were arranged into causal conditions, main phenomenon, context, intervening conditions, action and interactional strategies, and consequences wherein they were consistently related to each other based on Grounded theory. Finally, in selective coding, core categories were instilled whereby the texts being developed were categorized into conservative, progressive, and innovative to allow for easier interpretation. This was done to improve the overall quality of Science textbooks.