Textbook Reviewed : Advanced Level Physics
(by Nelkon & Parker)This was the classic text used by most Singapore schools at the time that when I was still a student. The current edition is much better than the 6th Edition, which I felt the paper was so thin that I was so afraid to tear it. It is still one of the key British texts that I constantly refer to, maybe I was familiar with the lay out.
What I Particularly Like About The Text:
This is a text particularly suited for the A-level syllabus. It contains much information especially on experiments that students particularly need for the A-level examination.
I always recommend this as a reading text for my students, as I find it helps the students to hone the way they write (in a scientific manner). Language and arguments are done in a formal manner and it does improve the quality the students write. Since the A-levels are set by UK examiners, it is best to understand what the examiners are saying. This helps in understanding of the questions set in the A-levels examinations as well.
This is also a good text as it covers everything and also beyond the A-level syllabus, which is good as A-levels do expect the student to be informed beyond the syllabus and provides good grounding. (Btw, the O-level text - "Principle of Physics"
is particularly good...helped me score my distinction in Physics when I did my O-level....was utterly grateful for it.)What I feel needs to be improved:
The same with all other British texts, I hope to see a version of text with :
- more colour
- highlighting of the more important points in boxes esp. the essential definitions and explanations.
- Layout can be more friendly and aesthetically done
- More pictures (hopefully colourful ones)
- Have scaffolding questions before dumping the students with the examination style questions which are nevertheless important.
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