A quick question about textbook quality

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Terilien
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quality of textbooks and the reasons behind complaints from students. The participant highlights that while many textbooks are criticized, there are numerous high-quality options available, such as "A First Course in General Relativity," "Spacetime and Geometry," and "Introduction to Topology." The participant emphasizes the importance of seeking recommendations from peers and professors to find reliable textbooks, suggesting that many complaints stem from a lack of effort in researching available resources. Ultimately, the participant advocates for self-learning through textbooks and journal articles as a viable approach to education.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic textbook evaluation criteria
  • Familiarity with subjects like general relativity and topology
  • Knowledge of how to access and interpret academic reviews
  • Basic research skills for finding educational resources
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "A First Course in General Relativity" for its pedagogical strengths
  • Explore "Introduction to Topology" and its applications in mathematics
  • Learn how to effectively evaluate textbook reviews and recommendations
  • Investigate online platforms for peer and professor textbook recommendations
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and self-learners seeking to improve their textbook selection process and enhance their understanding of complex subjects like general relativity and topology.

Terilien
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Why is that i always see and hear people complaining about textbooks? It is true that there are many bad textbooks but why do they buy them? Can't they read reviews or ask around like i do?

Also there are many good textbooks and as a self learner I think my opinion counts for something. A first course in general relativity, spacetime and geometry, introduction to topology, topology from a differentiable viewpoint etc.. are all very high quality.

Call me a cynic, but I'd have to say to most people whoa re constantly complaining must be lazy insoem sense(not to say that I'm a hard worker). What vexes me even more is that these people don't seem to care to go to their peers, or ask their profs for clarification. I'd KILL for that luxury.

Now i understand that some courses have bad textbooks but there are amny cheap reliable textbooks that you can find by asking professeurs... In many cases the good texts are cheaper than the expensive ones.

Anyway, I'm sorry for bothering you guys, but I just had to rant a little.

Oh and before you sya anything, I'm MISTER cynical.
 
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You can pretty much learn anything you want by reading textbooks, journal articles etc, and it is in general a simply thing to do if you have all the time in the world.
 

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