Creating of this article was motivated by the change of the new situation in connection with the Hungarian mathematics textbooks. Nowadays the teachers of Hungary could choose among the textbooks without restriction. The number of the textbooks is growing more and more. But our mathematics teachers have not any didactical support for the choice.…

The present study relates to a research line in didactics of science that focuses on the function that sign systems or semiotic modes have in communicative interactions in science classrooms. The study was conducted by 20 secondary and university science teachers who belong to the same research group LIEC ("Language and Science…

This study emanates from an assumption that the skill of evaluating sources is placed in a complicated field, where an old academic tradition is paired with a contemporary emphasis on the possibilities and risks with modern sources. The aims of the study is to contribute with a description and analysis of these views as they are expressed in…

The indigenous community of San Juan Nuevo Parangaricutiro in Mexico has been engaged in a successful Community Forest Enterprise employing sustainable management practices since 1981. These environmental practices do not seem to be reflected in the educational programmes developed at school. In this study, the environmental knowledge and interest…

This paper reports the findings of a simple normative content analysis of 11 multicultural education textbooks to determine the extent to which disability and deaf culture are represented. In addition, this study examines multicultural education textbooks to assess the extent to which perspectives of members of the disability and deaf communities…

Family-school collaboration related to children's physical development has become increasingly important as childhood obesity rates continue to rise. The present study described the development and implementation of a literacy-based, family component of a school-based health education program and investigated its viability, acceptability, and…

This paper deals with the discourses related to race and anti-racism in a social sciences textbook for grade 12 Ontario students that was published in 2002. It is argued that the complexities of race and anti-racism are not dealt with systematically and cohesively. The textbook does not adequately address the topics of race and racism within the…

In this study, I present an analysis of high school geometry curricula regarding mathematical proof opportunities. I examined eight U.S. high school level geometry textbooks, which were categorized into three main groups: technology-intensive, standards-based, and traditional curricula. I conceptualized "ideal" proving activity combining…

Examination of 13 college textbooks on education of the gifted and talented revealed a wide range of difficulty and interest levels. A wide variety of subject topics was found, with little agreement among authors concerning appropriate subject matter. Some important topics, such as career educational planning, received surprisingly little…

Eighteen introductory texts in mental retardation (MR) were analyzed for reading ease and human interest level (percentage of personal words and sentences). Data were compared to survey texts in psychology, reading, and exceptional student education. Introductory MR texts were generally easiest to read and most interesting. (CL)

This paper introduces an evaluation tool prepared to examine the quality of visuals in course-books. The tool is based on Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (i.e. Generative Theory) and its principles regarding the correct use of illustrations within text. The reason to generate the tool, the development process along with the…

Knowing cause and purpose can enable a useful flexibility in thought and action that is more likely to produce a desired outcome. Some teachers, particularly trainees, new teachers, and those without a strong background in technology, may not address this kind of knowledge. Could children's technology textbooks provide a model of practice for such…

Ten introductory special education texts published since 1980 were reviewed to determine recency of information by determining frequency of reference for a 10-year period in each handicapping category across all the texts. Findings suggested that certain books draw more heavily from selected bibliography than others. (Author/CL)

Describes five experiments that explored preferences for pages of instructional text that varied in terms of their layout, their wording, or both of these features. (HOD)

Examines the presentation of quantum mechanics in eight secondary chemistry texts for elements associated with a conceptual change model: (1) dissatisfaction; (2) intelligibility; (3) plausibility; and (4) fruitfulness. Reports that these elements were not present in sufficient quantities to promote conceptual change. Presents recommendations for…