Analysis of the Contents of Transistors in Physics II Textbooks of the 2015 Revised Curriculum

We analyzed the unit of transistors in all physics II textbooks of the 2015 revised curriculum to see if the contents are suitable for students to reach the standards suggested by the curriculum. Specifically, we investigated the description of the structure of a transistor, amplification in transistors, and transistor bias voltage in the textbooks in terms of description accuracy, the learner’s convenience, and illustration accuracy. We found that the explanation of the universal dc bias circuit is not enough that it is hard for students to choose a bias voltage using resistors in a transistor circuit as an amplifier. There is no description of the basic elements to understand how transistors work, such as the pn junction of semiconductors. In addition, it was found that there is a lack of explanation of the essential contents, and many inaccurate terms and vague illustrations. We discussed several implications of this study.