The purpose of this study was to improve the comprehension and problem-solving skills of students with disabilities in social studies using a conceptually framed, computer-adapted history text. Participants were 11th and 12th grade students identified with learning disabilities in reading and writing from two intact, self-contained social studies…

A major legacy of the "go-go years", the late 50's and 60's when federal and foundation funding of education increased so much, was a huge increase in the number of instructional materials (both print and non-print) available to the schools. The efforts of the non-commercial curriculum development teams have been swamped by this increase and their…

Examines three recent elementary school level language arts textbook programs to determine the frequency of writing activities, the nature of writing tasks, and the frequency of process-approach activities such as selecting topics, prewriting, sharing, revising, and publishing. Finds that process activities were seldom recommended. (SKC)

While foreign language textbooks have improved in recent years, the standard grammatical base remains unchanged. Instead of the usual morphologically-based syllabus, a semantico-grammatical one is suggested in which the categories, relating meaning and form, make it possible to teach language structure in a coherent and communicatively relevant…

A study of eight basal reading series was conducted to determine how Native American characters are portrayed in basal readers and how much realism is in recently published stories. Native Americans were not presented in first grade stories. Fifth grade stories were realistic and well written. (JHZ)

Asserts that textbook advice regarding buffers and negative messages is simplistic and frequently wrong, and analyses 22 job-refusal letters and their effectiveness. Claims that recent research on cognitive complexity and social perspective-taking suggests the need for more sophisticated audience analysis protocols for dealing with the negative…

Reports on the findings of an examination of 32 linear algebra textbooks. The examination, to determine existing approaches to teaching the topics, was in preparation for developing a linear algebra program for high school students. (PK)

Provides an overview of the educational program of the Seychelles and focuses on an evaluation of the final phase (P7-P9) of the nine-year school program. Reports how findings from content analyses of materials, teacher and student interviews, and student test results were used to develop the new Seychelles Integrated Science program. (ML)

An analysis of elementary social studies textbook series showed that the images presented in the texts do not equate with the reality that most Australians experience. A more realistic approach to teaching about Australia would be to examine the lifestyles of urban Australians. Possible ways of doing this are discussed. (RM)

Reports results of a survey on textbook adoption procedures, examining if and how often a procedure is used, whether select local districts from a list, and whether the list covers grade K-12. Also reports results of state science supervisors' (N=26) attitudes about textbook adoption procedures. (JM)

Discusses consequences of using computer-assisted learning (CAL) packages for experiment planning in undergraduate physical chemistry laboratories and examines textbook presentations and syllabus criticism. An approach to syllabus reconstruction that combines operational research with experiences of CAL development program is demonstrated through…

Reports the results of a survey of 640 high school biology teachers indicating that they may not be aware of the positive effects of prereading activities and other strategies for enhancing students' comprehension of text. (AEA)

Presents research findings about textbook construction and how they should influence the development of chemistry texts. Discusses learning as a constructive process, the importance of interpreting symbolic representations, and the creation of structure by the learner. Advocates publisher responsibility for incorporating results of research when…

Three summaries of research projects concerning teacher professional development are described. The first summary describes an inservice education survey to determine important topics for professional development. The second study examines teachers' particular needs with respect to professional development. The third study discusses sexism in…

Because a content analysis of 24 leading teacher education texts revealed little attention to sexism, the Non-Sexist Teacher Education Program (NSTEP) developed six units on sexism in education and field tested them at 27 schools of education. Results are discussed. (Part of a theme issue on women.) (SJL)