Why Are We Still Asking Students to Buy Textbooks for General Education?

Scope, Objectives, Content

Yes, this article fits within the scope of the journal, although the OER aspect of the argument could be more prominent. I think it has the potential to be a valuable contribution to the OE literature by making the case for more widespread use of OER in General Education courses, using a public speaking course as an example, but the focus is more on students’ perception of free materials vs commercial textbooks than about OER. While affordability has a place in the OE literature, the article is missing significant details about the OER pilot project that is said to have inspired the authors to make the case for OER in General Education courses. It is an important topic, and the content is engaging, but the article needs more work.  

Organization

Yes, the article proceeds logically and adheres to the structure recommended by the journal. However, there are significant gaps that make the leap from public speaking courses to communications courses to General Education courses not as convincing as it could be. I strongly recommend adding a section that explains the original OER pilot project from which this article stems to put the focus even more on OER instead of mostly relying on students’ responses to questions that emphasize their negative attitudes towards textbooks but not necessarily positive perceptions of OER.  

Methodology, Approach, Conclusions

There are not enough details about the methodology for the overall project to judge if the subsection of the study that is the subject of this article is sound. Focusing on two open-ended questions about purchasing or renting textbooks and if the type of course makes a difference in students’ decision to acquire the textbook does not clearly support the claim that “students tend to have positive attitudes toward OER”. It shows that they prefer free materials, which may not be OER. To demonstrate students’ positive attitudes to OER, this article would need to refer to other parts of the pilot project that could provide more solid evidence.  
More complete data could be provided in the table to cover the remaining percentages that are missing from the total.  

Writing Style, References

I noticed some inconsistencies in the list of references, which I pointed out in the article itself. I also added some comments and suggested a few edits. Otherwise, there are no significant problems with expression or flow.  

Application

It could impact the use of OER in General Education courses, but a more direct and explicit link to the OER pilot project at the origin of this smaller study must be made. Other parts of this pilot project could provide more supportive data about attitudes towards OER instead of just free materials. There is a significant leap being made from student perceptions based on two questions out of a larger survey and a well-supported rationale for using OER in General Education courses. On the surface, the use of an OER in a public speaking course appears to be making a solid case for no longer using a textbook in courses on that topic, but the student perceptions that are at the heart of the argument do not address the use of OER specifically.  

What are the stronger points/qualities of the article?

The stronger point of this article is its use of students’ voices (with actual quotes), which tends to be missing in many studies that focus more on the aggregate results. 

What are the weaker points/qualities of the article? How could they be strengthened?

There is a significant leap made from students’ perceptions about commercial textbooks and free materials and stating that they have positive attitudes toward OER. Since this article stems from a larger pilot project using an OER in a public speaking course, I would recommend incorporating evidence gathered from the rest of the survey and provide more information about that pilot project to put these conclusions in their proper context.  

Peer Review Ranking: Scope
relevant

Peer Review Ranking: Clarity
clear

Peer Review Ranking: Contribution
contributes

Peer Review Ranking: Methodology
appropriate

Peer Review Ranking: Conclusion
sound

Note:
This review refers to round of peer review and may pertain to an earlier version of the document.

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Scope, Objectives, Content

This article is scope for the Journal of Open Educational Resoures in HIgher Education, and covers content related to the utilization of OER materials in higher education.  The study focuses on an important topic of value, particularly concerning the implementation of OER materials within a specific discipline and area of general education that can be impactful for students.

Organization

The paper is well-organized, with a clear introduction, literature review, methods, results, and discussion sections. Content is logical and easy to follow.

Methodology, Approach, Conclusions

Methodology for data gathering and analysis is appropriate.

Writing Style, References

The writing style within the paper provides clarity on the subject of OER, with the literature review, methods, study results and discussion presented in an understandable manner. There is a balance between description and critical analysis.

Application

The article provides valuable student perspectives on a relevant topic concerning the rising costs of education and course materials. The findings have implications for the adoption of OER as a solution to address students' needs and concerns.

What are the stronger points/qualities of the article?

The study provides insights into students' perspectives on textbook requirements, highlighting the potential benefits of OER in addressing students' concern, particularly as they relate to materials, financial needs, etc. as students complete general education courses.  The primary themes, codes, and quotes are presented and well identified in conjunction with a discussion of the study's results.

What are the weaker points/qualities of the article? How could they be strengthened?

Consider expanding the literature review to include additional background research on OER, historical impacts, success, student perceptions and value which would support the alignment with the discussion.  Also, consider exploring literature focusing on research regarding OER implementation and impacts within other general education courses for support and comparisons.

Peer Review Ranking: Scope
Highly relevant

Peer Review Ranking: Clarity
Very clear

Peer Review Ranking: Contribution
contributes

Peer Review Ranking: Methodology
Highly appropriate

Peer Review Ranking: Conclusion
Highly sound

Note:
This review refers to round of peer review and may pertain to an earlier version of the document.

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