Describes a two-part study involving 125 minority female students, 14 faculty members and 35 textbooks that explored the kinds of images minority students found in their textbooks. Results indicated that the exclusion, omission, or misrepresentation through images directly impacted student learning as well as student career choices. (Contains 12…

Many have called for reform of the science curriculum to incorporate the process of inquiry: this has been shown to improve student understanding of biological concepts. Laboratory activities provide excellent opportunities to incorporate inquiry in to the curriculum. This study used a modified version of the Laboratory Task Analysis Instrument…

Argues that introductory courses in college biology do a poor job of encouraging students to enter a career in biology. Cites examples of poorly written textbooks and treatments of various aspects of biology including basic definitions, cells and their operations, the mechanics of life, the nervous system, evolution and sex. (TW)

Evaluates textbook content in light of goals set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association Project Synthesis. Examines the history of textbook change over two decades in comparison to CHEM Study 1963. Summarizes major features of texts that promote memorization at the expense of understanding. (JM)

Compares two methods of teaching in two grade seven science classes in Ontario (Canada) that illustrate how students can attain different sets of objectives while mastering the same subject matter topic. Shows how different sets of classroom events can be interpreted in terms of differing curriculum emphases. (Author/LC)

Maintains that most history textbooks support the traditional view that dropping the atom bomb on Hiroshima (Japan) was necessary to end World War II and save U.S. lives. Briefly articulates the revisionist view that the bombing's main purpose was to intimidate the Soviet Union. Reviews six textbooks. (MJP)

Determines the extent to which Asian art is represented in Australian secondary art education. Surveys and discusses art appreciation classes, art education curricula, teacher education programs, and the Artists in Schools program. Maintains that although some progress has been made, Asian art is still underrepresented. (MJP)

Describes how social studies teachers can help students interact with textbooks to promote better comprehension and retention of information. Suggests methods for linking existing knowledge to concepts in the text, for organizing information to encourage retention, and for making the expository style of texts more accessible. (LS)

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)

Investigated is a reader's ability to comprehend written text that is highly novel with few semantic cues. The theoretical perspective, assessment theory, materials and methods, and the results of this study are discussed. (KR)

Reports on a study of how the three-way encounter among Europeans, the indigenous Americans, and Africans is presented in six secondary U.S. history textbooks. Describes the evaluation instrument and process used to review the textbook content. Concludes that teachers should use supplementary materials to ensure balance. (CFR)

Argues that oftentimes simple parallel constructions and choice of examples reflect an unconscious bias in history textbooks. Reveals a number of these, particularly related to the United States' treatment of minorities in World War II. Advocates using strategies to identify and challenge biases in history textbooks. (MJP)

Evolution by natural selection provides the conceptual framework upon which much of modern biology is based: therefore understanding core ideas about biological evolution is an essential part of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, research repeatedly shows that high school and college students have difficulties understanding the notion of natural…

This article examines the reflection of national goals and ideologies in the civic education curricula of Mainland China and Taiwan. A comparison of junior secondary school textbooks from the 1950s and the 1990s shows how the curriculum embodies the states' changing national priorities and justificatory ideologies. Specifically, in the early…

This article describes a study of children's electronic books (e-books) technology. In particular, the focus is on devices used to access children's e-books, current available e-books and an e-book builder specifically for children. Three small case studies were conducted: two to evaluate how children accept the devices and one to test the ease of…