Preterite/Imperfect (PI) usage is one of the hardest grammatical features of Spanish to learn. Some of the blame lies with misleading textbook explanations. A discussion of problematic P/I textbook explanations shows why the presentation of a more reliable set of principles is a preferable alternative to questionable rules of thumb. (18…

Discusses treatment of the United States in Chinese textbooks. Focuses on a world history text and a political economics text for high school seniors. Reports that the Chinese texts present the United States as an imperialistic bastion of capitalism. Suggests that a more balanced presentation is necessary to prepare students for the global era.…

Examines the Marxist-Leninist curriculum assumptions about history instruction in East German schools on the legacy of Nazism. Suggests that questions raised to legitimize history instruction for East German students are relevant for students in capitalist countries. Discusses Hitler's rise to power, Soviet contributions to defeat fascism,…

Presents race concept as an example of how social issues are underemphasized in college science education. Reviews history of the race concept and reports on current status of the concept in textbooks and among college faculty members. Given specific stipulations, proposes continued use of the race concept for some infrahuman species, while…

Examines ways the Middle East is presented in American high school textbooks, focusing on seven texts. The books are good introductions to culture, geography, and early history, but they do a poor job on contemporary issues, providing a poor foundation for the study of current events in the Middle East. (SLD)

Describes textbooks of both East and West Germany from 1949-56, 1957-62, 1963-69, and 1970 on. Discusses a shift in West German texts from intense antagonism during the Cold War to a more critical comparison by the 1980s. Compares East German text development that increased in hostility over time, viewing West Germany as a negative alternative to…

Summaries of six language-related research projects are presented from Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Topics include English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) textbook evaluation, translatability of Filipino texts, group discussions in Thai junior colleges, bilingual language, and children's reading development. (LB)

Criticizes the prevalence of trivial and noninformative content in two primary grade social studies expanding environment textbook series. Extends earlier study, adding three additional analytical categories to its framework. To teach citizenship effectively, recommends (1) eliminating redundant, superfluous, and text-inappropriate content; (2)…

Examines the table of contents and the indexes of nine business communication and five technical writing textbooks for coverage of the skills that are needed by businesspeople and engineers. Concludes that technical writing texts are preferable for writing skills, whereas business communication texts are better for oral skills. Makes…

Examines the use of word processing by undergraduate business communication students at the University of Nebraska. Finds that very few use word processors as their primary writing tool. Notes that few business communication textbooks address the use of word processing. Suggests business instructors emphasize the use of word processing in all…

Discusses the use of content area textbooks and indicates that content textbooks are difficult for students to understand because the books generally are not well written. Offers solutions for how to use content textbooks and illustrates how lessons can be created through the integration of tradebooks and through discussions in which critical…

Asserts that student attitudes toward history textbooks are important because the perceptions may affect how much or how well they learn. Describes how 17 11th-grade U.S. history students evaluated their textbook. Found that 71% of the students perceived the book to be a presentation of knowledge. (CFR)

Reports on a study of "considerateness" of five fifth-grade social studies textbooks. Identifies four elements of considerateness: (1) readability level; (2) placement of relevant pictures or illustrations; (3) use of subtitles; and (4) use of words and phrases to connect ideas within and between sentences. (CFR)

Discusses misconceptions and outdated models appearing in biology textbooks for concepts involving bioenergetics and chemical reactions; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the energy currency of cells; the myth of high energy phosphate bonds; structural properties of ATP; ATP production from respiration and fermentation; ATP as an energy storage…

States that in "developing" countries such as Cameroon, educators struggle to overcome the remnants of colonial educational systems and instructional methods, which are not in keeping with current educational theory. Examines the inadequacies of the Evans English textbooks used for literacy instruction in West Cameroon schools as an…