Although exophoric reference is crucial to appreciating the role of context in spoken language (both to the speaker in producing meaning and to the listener in determining meaning), analysis of eight beginning German textbooks revealed that only two provided all three types (directional, pronominal, and definite article) of such reference. (CB)

Presents evidence in support of Klaus Bayer's claim that present-day German has two systems of pronominal address: "Sie" and "du." The study analyzes the two systems, investigates the conflict situations between them, projects future trends, and looks at how the two are taught in the classroom. (SED)

This paper discusses both the extent and manner in which the history of science is included in current secondary school physics textbooks. The study investigates what qualifies as history of science in a physics textbook; the focus, extent, and pervasiveness of the history of science content as it actually appears in a textbook; the focus of…

A recent survey of some 3,000 administrators across the United States revealed a wide range of textbook selection procedures. (WD)

Pictorial humorous illustrations were found to have (1) no effects on information acquisition and on motivation, (2) positive effects on appeal, and (3) negative effects on persuasiveness. (PD)

Described are results from a study of college general biology textbooks determining significant increases or decreases in human-interest level and/or grade-level readability. In an analysis of eight textbooks used in 56 colleges, it was concluded that neither readability nor interest level has changed from 1960 to 1978. (CS)

Examines the extent to which industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is covered within introductory psychology textbooks (n=54). Determined whether I/O psychology was in a section, appendix, or chapter; and also compiled the number of pages that contained I/O psychology. Reports that only one-fourth of the textbooks had an overview. (CMK)

Presents an analysis of undergraduate methods course textbooks (n=26) published in the United States with copyright dates from 1995-1999. Examines aspects of the textbooks, such as demographic qualities, use of pedagogical aids and illustrative material, and topic coverage. Includes the results in detail. (CMK)

Examines nine science textbooks intended for use in British lower secondary schools from an analytical approach and through an analysis of lesson-units. Finds that the authors were inclined to use practical activities as a vehicle for concept acquisition. Indicates also that science teachers have inadequate notions of a process-based approach. (KO)

Investigated was the mathematical content of 15 college-level physical-geology textbooks published in the period 1980-90. A list of textbooks is provided. Methods, comparisons with other fields of science, and the treatment of specific geological concepts are discussed. (CW)

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)

Elementary and junior high school science textbooks were analyzed for the presence of prerequisite topics on evolution (protoconcepts). Results indicated that coverage of evolutionary protoconcepts varies considerably among published textbooks. Recommendations for teacher analysis of textbooks are provided. (ZWH)

Explores the history of social studies instruction. Reports findings of an analysis of 1,217 lessons contained in 5 social studies textbooks. Concludes that geography, history, and anthropology receive the greatest coverage in the books, whereas sociology and political science are stressed least. Identifies differences among the five books.…

The readability, interest level, and content of 18 current college textbooks on mainstreaming were assessed. Results revealed that readability and interest level were comparable among the texts. More variation was found in the contents of the texts. A table lists 16 topics and the degree to which each is covered in the textbooks. (DB)

Presents a review of five textbooks available for a one-semester undergraduate course in the history of economic thought. Includes method of approach taken by the authors, content, and features such as indexes and lists of suggested readings. Suggests how the texts differ with respect to content without recommending any particular book. (DK)