Explorations: An Open Invitation To Biological Anthropology - 2nd Edition

Reviewed by Sharon Methvin, Part Time Instructor, Mount Hood Community College on 5/22/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

All the chapters are covered except for future trends, dns trends and diseases.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Well supported and clearly referenced. References are up to date.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Yes, the area of hominid evolution needs updating every two years to be competitive and current.

Clarity rating: 5

Sentences are clear short and easy to grasp. Points are clear and well made. More examples in the real live world to expand and apply points would be helpfull.

Consistency rating: 5

Pattern is consistent. Discussion questions, websites and especially, video snippets would add to amplify clarity .

Modularity rating: 3

Many chapters build on each other and the number of chapters are too long for quarters. So we would assign multiple chapters.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Eccellent. I would move race chapter to after genetics.

Interface rating: 3

I am not sure.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Up to date and did mot see errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Neutral

Comments

Missing are everyday hot news topics that students can telate too. These could be boxes or inserts. A chapter on the future is missing. Also, video snippets and relevant social media sites. That said, the text is thorough, well supported, well balanced, professional and conveys our message in a way that engages us as readers and students of anthropology.

Reviewed by Sharon Methvin, Instructor, Mt. Hood Community College on 7/28/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The authors created a few Appendices in order to include more complete coverage of key areas. This will also be a great way to add updates to this rapidly changing field in our discipline.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Incorporates a diverse panel of reviewers, authors and sources.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Includes relevant and up to date material. Will likely need annual or bi-annual revisions as this is a rapidly changing field.

Clarity rating: 5

The text has a smooth integration even though it was complied by a series of contributors. This is a difficult feat and it was accomplished by this group. The material is easy to read and has the same beat even though by different drummers. The beat is clear, easy to follow and a breeze to get in sync with.

Consistency rating: 5

A recognizable and consistent format through out. The text has a smooth integration even though it was complied by a series of contributors. This is a difficult feat and it was accomplished by this group.

Modularity rating: 5

Follows the typical modules for this course, but I love how the sections on race are added in the final section of the text on health, etc. This is a much better fit than the tradition of adding in the first introductory area. Bravo!
I can break the text into nice sections for a term, easily

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Follows the typical modules for this course, but I love how the sections on race are added in the final section of the text on health, etc. This is a much better fit than the tradition of adding in the first introductory area. Bravo!
I love the instructor resources! Hard to come by in the OER world. And, wow, those appendices !

Interface rating: 5

Great interface with images, photos and graphs.
I would like to see more inclusion in the text itself of interactive social media and snippets,

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Did not see any errors jump out at me.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Excellent use of both temporal and spatial global examples.

Comments

Wow, Wow, Wow! This is a very complex field for which to create a source. You nailed it and it is a stellar example of what a small group of people can do to create a village. It flows, has numerous and diverse images and photos throughout, a coherent tone and consistent approach even though it is compiled by numerous authors. Thank you for your endeavor!