The study is aimed at the evaluation of textbook of Social Studies for 5th grade as an effective instructional
aid. Textbook development is very sensitive area in curriculum. It is a critical task to maintain the coherence
among the concepts of the textbook. In Social Studies political, economic, cultural and environmental aspects
of society are studied. The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help "young people make informed about
the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse and democratic society".
Objectives of this research study were to evaluate the appropriateness of the book for the students, to analyze
the contents of prescribed book of Social Studies, to assess the importance of the textbook, to explore the
possible difficulties in the book, to find out the durable physical features of it and to draw a comparison
between opinions of both teachers and students regarding the book. It was hypothesized that our schools
have no special resources required for textbook of Social Studies. It is also hypothesized that book is not likely
to excite the interest of students and teachers nor it is according to the National Curriculum. The population
comprised teachers and students from all Federal Government Junior Model Schools of Islamabad city. By
using Random sampling technique, sample was selected. In order to collect data, two questionnaires were
used. One was for teachers of Social Studies and other for students of 5th grade. Data obtained was analyzed
and interpreted by using appropriate descriptive and inferential test of significance such as one way chi-
square and two-way chi square. The level of significance was 0.05.
On the basis of results, it was concluded that the book contains irrelevant questions in exercises and proper
answers were not available in the relevant chapters. Maps and legends of maps were not very much clear and
the lengthy facts and figures were not understandable for the students. In light of the conclusions, it was
recommended that colorful pictures, perfect binding, proper description of facts, pre-requisite knowledge and
learnability of students should be ensured in writing and adoption of a textbook for Social Studies.