Discusses whether the goal of language proficiency is reasonable or even possible given the language textbooks available. Examines the description of the French language in college-level French language textbooks (all of which take a structural approach) to see if they lend themselves to the acquisition of a functional speaking ability. (SED)

Summarizes reviews of research in the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning," concerning international perspectives. Analyzes social studies research in England, Eastern Europe, and Africa, seeing modern citizenship as a unifying theme. Stresses the value to U.S. educators of comparative cross-national studies.…

This reading resource catalog is intended for teachers, administrators, and others looking for effective reading programs. The first section of the catalog presents six summaries of recent reading research with direct application for teaching practice. Topics covered are: choosing a textbook to improve student comprehension, using the cloze…

Provides information about the curriculum characteristics of first- and third-year high school Spanish textbooks and determines what differences exist among the texts involved. Study results indicate that these textbooks are consistently "deficient" on nearly all of the dimensions examined. (Author/SED)

Discusses the evaluation of "survival texts" for immigrants in terms of the accuracy of the texts' portrayal of immigrants' reality and the extent to which they shape reality. Examples show that frequently the materials' content and communicative structure do not reflect authentic interaction and that they emphasize subservient social roles. (SED)

This report brings together recent research, analysis, and textbook evaluations to explain what lies behind today's school wars over teaching about religion. It concludes that textbook controversies involving religion are an important part of a large cultural debate. Some of the most divisive and important curriculum issues of current times,…

This paper gives results of a review of 41 high school, junior high school, and college algebra and mathematics textbooks. The review focuses on two facets of the curriculum: (1) the presentation of the concept of variable; and (2) word problems and the presentation of problem solving skills. With regard to the variable concept it was concluded…

A guide for teachers selecting reading textbooks, this report brings together information about basal programs on the market and clarification of important issues in reading instruction. A general analysis of 20 basal programs includes a prose explication and a table comparing contents (skills), reading selections, methodology, assessment tests,…

Teachers of business English and business communication must carefully evaluate the business English phenomena presented in textbooks, especially American textbooks used in foreign countries. An analysis of American texts illustrates an approach to teaching basic speaking and writing skills through simple rules, unrealistic examples, and lessons…

The role that evaluation can play in educational reform in China is discussed, drawing on an ongoing study of present evaluation practices and the identification, development, and evaluation of texts and materials for teaching university students about evaluation. Case studies of evaluation in Shanghai illustrate current practices. (SLD)

Describes the public school bias toward objectivity that has produced a value-neutral education. Reviews literature on textbook content and examines textbooks and curriculum to assess the impact of the denatured curriculum on history, literature, home economics, and science instruction. Advocates strengthening the humanities where students can…

Examines the disciplinary and cultural functions of introductory psychology textbooks from around the turn of the century to the present. Preliminary analysis indicates that textbooks have been more than a compendium of knowledge. They have provided a medium for defining social relations and ideals. (SLD)

Textbooks that have been and are being used by students in education and psychology to learn about statistical testing are reviewed. Twenty-eight textbooks published prior to 1950 were reviewed. These textbooks were found to focus on descriptive methods, to concentrate on educational testing, and to present limited formal statistical formulation.…

This bibliographic essay and research review investigates four areas: (1) the characteristics of elementary writing instruction prior to the 80s; (2) the factors which changed writing instruction in the 80s; (3) the characteristics of elementary writing instruction in the 80s: and (4) the place of elementary and pre/in-service textbooks in the…

An annotated list of currently available student and teacher resources for consumer education in grades K-12 is provided. The document contains two sections. Section I describes student and teacher materials. Student materials include current (1976 or later) textbooks; supplementary print materials such as pamphlets, books, duplicating masters,…