New approaches to textbook creation: Discussion with authors of mother tongue and literature textbooks

The recent discussion, held with the participation of authors of general education textbooks, centered around the creation, revision, and alignment of mother tongue and literature textbooks with contemporary educational standards.  

Avetik Mejlumyan, Director of YSU Library named after Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian and the event's organizer, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating: "This discussion is part of a broader initiative aimed at engaging textbook authors from various subject areas in the educational sector and fostering opportunities for open dialogue. The first meeting focused on mathematics textbooks, while this session was dedicated to mother tongue and literature textbooks. Our goal is to identify what works well, what needs to be revised, and how we can collaboratively improve educational content for the benefit of both students and teachers." 

Anna Khalatyan, co-organizer of the event and staff member of the Supply and Processing Department at YSU Library, remarked: "I believe that proficiency in one's native language is of fundamental importance to all of us. This meeting is a unique opportunity to uncover the changes taking place in textbook creation, explore innovations and challenges, and understand how the new educational standards are reshaping both the content and methods of teaching. Teachers often have specific questions, the answers to which can only be obtained through direct communication with the authors."  

Keynote speakers at the event included leading experts in the field, Tamar Aleksanyan and Albert Makaryan.

Tamar Aleksanyan, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, and co-author of the textbooks Mother Tongue 5, 6 and Literature 8, discussed the main principles behind the revision of subject-specific standards. She highlighted the integration of the three-dimensional approach to teaching, centered around the key concepts of reading, creativity, and identity. According to her, these conceptual changes have had a significant impact on both the content and methodology of textbooks, contributing to the development of thoughtful, critical, and self-expressive students.

Albert Makaryan, Doctor of Philology, Head of the Chair of History of Armenian Literature and Literary Theory at YSU, and co-author of the Armenian Literature textbooks for grades 8 and 10, underscored the educational and aesthetic value of literature instruction. He addressed the principles guiding the selection of literary material, reading preferences of today's students, and the influence of social media, noting that a modern textbook should harmonize classical values with contemporary dynamics.

Participants also discussed innovative textbook formatting, using the 8th-grade literature textbook as an example, which stands out for its use of color schemes, visual design, and modern layout. Lively discussions were held on the selection of authors included in textbooks, the representation of contemporary literature, and the overall educational and moral role of schools.

The aim of the event was not only to present current developments in educational policy and textbook creation but also to provide a platform for teachers to directly address questions to the authors and share their practical experiences. According to participants, such meetings serve as a pivotal forum for dialogue among all stakeholders in education, ensuring that the voices of authors, teachers, and students are equally heard.

Discussions like these underscore the fact that quality education begins with open and meaningful conversation—grounded in mutual respect, trust, and collaboration.