The textbook: some research themes

Abstract

Researches on the textbook presented fast growth in the 1990’s and 2000’s, incorporating contributions from the history of curriculum and school disciplines, cultural history, and from the history of books and reading. Research centers and groups were organized; national and international projects and events on the theme were promoted. This article describes, in a brief way, the constitution of this field of research with the formulation of theoretical and methodological frameworks, and also lists some researches recently carried out that exemplify the current thematic diversification, which has allowed to examine the textbook as a fundamental part of public policies in education, didactic practices, and the constitution and dissemination of school knowledge and culture.