A study was conducted to categorize the questions found in the reading skills development books used in Maryland's community colleges according to Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. The study sought to determine the number of questions per taxonomy category; whether there was a significant difference between observed and expected…

A sample of 12 recent and older sixth grade social studies textbooks was examined to determine their level of explicitness, one of the criteria used to determine the "friendliness" or comprehensibility of a text. Researchers randomly selected three samples--usually chapters--from each of the 12 textbooks. The Explication Inventory…

The first four books of the Economy spelling series, "Spelling Growth," are reviewed in this paper in terms of content and, to a lesser degree, method. The Economy series is teacher-directed and emphasizes discrimination and identification of sounds. These two skills are clearly useful for spelling, but it is claimed that the series…

Surveyed anatomy texts currently in use in a major western medical school. In text sections dealing with standard (nongender-specific) anatomy, male subjects were shown in 64 percent of the illustrations in which gender was discernible, females in ll percent, and gender-neutral representations, 25 percent. Females and males were represented…

The Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE), a nonprofit national education materials review organization, analyzed 10 elementary social studies textbook series. Results, which are discussed in this article, show that elementary-level social studies textbooks are not good enough. Recommendations are made. (RM)

As much as 90 percent of classroom instructional time is structured by instructional materials, especially textbook. Research shows, however, that textbooks alone are not enough. Analyses of elementary grade social studies textbooks reveal that the breadth is too wide and the depth too shallow. Specific examples are provided. (RM)

An examination of approved California state textbooks showed that the majority of the books fail to reflect the past or present realities of the Asian American experience. None of the books reviewed did an adequate job of integrating the experience of Asian Americans. (RM)

Significant differences were found between the stated objectives of most college level economics textbooks and the instruments included in the instructor's manuals to measure student achievement. (Author/RM)

Evaluates 24 introductory college textbooks in human and regional geography in light of their presentation of traditional approaches and contemporary research themes and assesses their reading level. Findings show that many approaches to introducing knowledge are used, information presented lags behind current research, and reading levels are…

To show that in their elementary school years, American students read many pages of inconsiderate text, a segment from a sixth grade social studies textbook is analyzed. Criteria used to determine considerateness are structure, coherence, unity, and audience appropriateness. (RM)

A study was conducted to develop and apply an interpretative system for identifying and determining the personal values and value systems of characters in and narrators of literary texts as expressed through the words of those characters and narrators. (HOD)

Notes that most textbooks used in teacher education classes fail to discuss adequately the issues of sex equity, sex bias, sex differences, and the social contributions of women. Offers a list of resources for providing sex equity in education. (RL)

Examines students' misconceptions and proposed mechanisms related to current flow in electrolyte solutions and the salt bridge. Confirms reported misconceptions and identifies several new ones. Discusses probable sources of misconceptions and some methods for preventing them. Contains 27 references. (JRH)

Compares the public expectation of achievement in mathematics in England, Wales, and Bavaria. Achievement is based on the school leaving examinations and some textbooks used in Bavaria and the corresponding material in England and Wales. Presents evidence to point out the different expectations and levels of competence demanded of students in…

Analyzes how two electromagnetism textbooks approach the concept of electric field. Uses historical evolution of the field representation. Indicates that one textbook mixes up the historical and pedagogical reasons for the introduction of the concept of field while the other one presents a sketch that might lead students to understand the field…