Developing Content Structure
So far we have focused on creating a book’s general structure. We haven’t yet talked about how to address a book’s specific content. In this section, we’ll talk about how to integrate your content into the structure to make an outline.
Let’s start by considering both the textbook’s scope (what is covered, and what is not covered), and the sequence in which the content is covered.
Scope
The book’s scope is the depth and breadth of the content the author wants to cover. In order to be most useful, the scope should contain the content typically covered in a course or a series of courses in a field of study. That way, the open textbook complements the syllabus. Each chapter could even coordinate with each week of instruction.
Sequence
The sequence of the content is the order in which the content is covered. In any given subject, there are likely multiple theories about which sequence is best (e.g., the OpenStax Chemistry textbook has been revised into a version called “Chemistry: Atoms First.” because some instructors want to teach about atoms before other chemistry concepts).
Content Structure
At this stage, it may be helpful for you to create an outline of the book’s content that coordinates with the book’s structure. For example, if you structured the book using UnitChapterSection, then the outline will need to provide content for each level, as seen below.
... Unit 2. The Cell Chapter 4. Cell Structure Section 4.1 Studying Cells Section 4.2 Prokaryotic Cells Section 4.3 Eukaryotic Cells Section 4.4 The Endomembrane System and Proteins Section 4.5 The Cytoskeleton Section 4.6 Connections between Cells and Cellular Activities Chapter 5. Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes Section 5.1 Components and Structure Section 5.2 Passive Transport Section 5.3 Active Transport Section 5.4 Bulk Transport ... Unit 3. Genetics Chapter 11. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Section 11.1 The Process of Meiosis Section 11.2 Sexual Reproduction Chapter 12. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity Section 12.1 Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability Section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits Section 12.3 Laws of Inheritance ... ("Biology" by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0
It’s possible that the process of mapping out the content will make you realize that the textbook structure needs to be adjusted. This is understandable, since the two structures are interrelated. Remember that this is not a linear process and it’s ok to go back and revise.
A note on outlines: In 2012, open textbook publisher Boundless was sued by three publishers– partially because Boundless copied the content structure of their textbooks. The actual content of the Boundless books was openly licensed, but the structure was mapped from the publishers’ commercial books. The case was settled out of court, so it is not clear whether this was a violation of copyright law. That said, an author should be aware that it could be a legal risk to copy a commercial textbook’s structure.
Complete Textbook Outline
Once complete, you can combine your textbook structure with your content structure to create a complete outline. To start, here’s an example textbook structure:
Now, let’s look at two chapters of the content structure:
Chapter 11. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Section 11.1 The Process of Meiosis Section 11.2 Sexual Reproduction Chapter 12. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity Section 12.1 Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability Section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits Section 12.3 Laws of Inheritance
Combining these two structures, we get a complete outline for two chapters:
Cover Page Table of Contents ... Chapter 11. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Introduction Objectives Key Terms Section 11.1 The Process of Meiosis Main Content Review Questions Section 11.2 Sexual Reproduction Main Content Review Questions Discussion Questions Chapter 12. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity Introduction Objectives Key Terms Section 12.1 Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability Main Content Review Questions Section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits Main Content Review Questions Section 12.3 Laws of Inheritance Main Content Review Questions ... Index Glossary
Schneider, D. K. (2008, September 3). Textbook writing tutorial. Retrieved March 04, 2018, from http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Textbook_writing_tutorial