An approach to statistical testing, which combines Neyman-Pearson hypothesis testing and Fisher significance testing, is recommended. The use of P-values in this approach is discussed in some detail. The author also discusses some problems which are often found in introductory statistics textbooks. The problems involve the definitions of…

An analysis of the treatment of political parties in four history and civics textbooks is presented. Three high school and one junior high texts, all currently in use, were examined to identify any mentioning of a political party. Variables included mention of all or both parties, the degree and locus of conflict mentioned, the context in which…

A formative goal-free evaluation was conducted to assess products (documents) developed after the first year of a federally funded project. Fifteen packets of sixty-six documents were rated by an external panel of five judges, using a checklist developed for the evaluation. An intermediary between the panel and the goal-free evaluator interviewed…

Reviews widely-used introductory economics textbooks, examining how issues relating to race and gender are treated. Suggests how stereotypical roles could be avoided in the future. Includes a table summarizing data from 21 textbooks. (Author/DH)

A series of grids for the evaluation of study guides and instructional materials according to presentation and construction, supporting materials and documentation, linguistic content, notional/thematic content, and tests and evaluation methods is presented and discussed briefly. A list of references for specific aspects of materials evaluation is…

Mathematics textbooks should encourage students to understand--as well as to memorize--problem-solving processes, to think about the reasonableness of an answer, and to "see" mathematics through real-life applications. Eight questions are given which can help schools determine whether a textbook truly emphasizes problem-solving. (PP)

Presents results of a study undertaken to compare contents of Polish primary school books from two historical periods--1938 and 1976-78. The objective was to relate books from the two periods to the respective ideological and constitutional bases of the socio-political systems they represented. Findings indicated the content of books from the two…

This article picks up the debate on the requirements of materials criticism and provides an extensive critique of the Philosophy for Children program, contributing both a description of the program material and a basis for further discussion and exchange on the issue of materials criticism. (Author/MLF)

A content analysis of 24 of the most widely used preservice teacher education textbooks was conducted in the following areas: sexism, sex differences, women's contributions, and total text content accorded to each sex. Findings indicated that these texts are characterized by omission and imbalance. Recommendations are made for future text…

This review of selected social studies texts, series, and supplements, mainly for the secondary level, includes a special section examining eight titles on warfare and terrorism for grades 4-12. (SJL)

Explains why applying a readability formula to a content text is not enough to determine whether a student can read and understand the book. (MKM)

Evaluates an elementary textbook (Journeys in Science, volume 3) on thermodynamics. Points out some inadequate expressions and explains the reasons. (YP)

Examines the reading level and potential comprehension level of 10 fourth-grade science textbooks. Reports that there is a great deal of variability between and within the science texts. (YP)

I tested whether students' reported use and perceived helpfulness of textbook pedagogical aids and other instructional methods (e.g., group discussion) related to better exam performance. More than 200 undergraduates rated 10 commonly used pedagogical aids and instructional techniques. Students reported using boldface and italics terms and…

Mathematics textbook publishers often include recommended tradebooks to be used in mathematics instruction. Teachers, however, remain unaware of the criteria used by the publishers when making their recommendations. Using Schiro's (1997) standards for assessing mathematics in children's literature, this inquiry assessed the quality of 127…