How can text features in a science textbook support student learning?

Text features in a science textbook play a crucial role in enhancing student learning by helping them predict text content. These features include headings, subheadings, captions, bolded terms, bullet points, and graphs, which all provide important cues about the material. By analyzing these elements, students can form hypotheses about the information they are about to encounter, which aids in comprehension and retention.

When students engage with the text features, they are typically able to activate their prior knowledge and make connections to what they already know, setting a purpose for their reading. This predictive strategy not only makes the reading experience more interactive but also encourages active engagement with the content, leading to a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Moreover, the ability to anticipate the content can reduce cognitive overload, making it easier for students to focus on the essential information presented in the main text.