Indicates that both novices and experts considered (1) definitions more important than facts, though novices applied this rule more strongly, and (2) information high in the passage hierarchy more important than lower level information. Finds that hierarchical level has a greater effect on the perceived importance of definition than facts. (JD)

Recent thinking about the mathematics being used in science courses, with an emphasis on problem solving, is reviewed. Data from a survey of the mathematics content in secondary science textbooks are then presented, with suggestions for science instruction. (MNS)

An analysis of 10 intermediate history textbooks currently used in Ontario, Canada, showed that current texts show less prejudice toward Indians than earlier works. However, there is still ample room for improvement. (RM)

This paper begins by providing an overview of three types of textbook research methods: asking teachers, parents, or students about the different aspects of textbook quality; textbook analysis, i.e. counting some characteristics of a textbook using strictly fixed rules; and the experimental evaluation of textbooks, usually carried out in schools.…

As a follow-up to studies by R. Costo and J. Henry (1970) and J. Loewen (1995), this study examined 12 current secondary level U.S. history textbooks to evaluate their accuracy in depicting Native Americans. The criteria embodied an authenticity guideline based upon the "Five Great Values" (generosity and sharing, respect for elders and…

Reviews and compares results of content analysis studies of selected high school science laboratory handbooks using the Laboratory Structure and Task Analysis Inventory (LAI). Findings from two biology, two chemistry, and two physics handbooks indicate highly structured investigations where students perform manipulative and observational…

Questionnaires administered to 3,500 math teachers explored professional background, learning objectives, classroom organization, teaching techniques, and textbook use. Apparently math teaching has changed little in 15 years; little impact of "new math" was seen. Moreover, teachers considered computational skills and algebraic manipulation as most…

A schools council study concludes that: secondary students are not being taught to read thoughtfully, texts and worksheets are too difficult, insufficient time is allotted to silent reading, and reading comprehension should not be taught as a discrete skill. The SRA Reading Laboratories are suggested as one tactic for improvement. (SJL)

Presents a study that reviewed introductory psychology textbooks to examine the perception of extensive similarity. Focuses on six dimensions: (1) chapter topics, organization, and extent of topic coverage; (2) core concepts and key terms; (3) pedagogical aids and data graphs; (4) critical-thinking programs; (5) reference citations; and (6) level…

Reviews textbooks in use in the sixth-form classroom. Reports numerous examples of muddled facts, confusing explanations, and serious misconceptions. (DDR)

Analyzes seven college-level U.S. history survey texts to determine the deteriorating quality of college history textbooks. Focuses on three areas: (1) the simplification of style and content, (2) indications of implicit censorship, and (3) the lack of a thematic structure which would contribute to the students' understanding of history. (LS)

Considers the treatment of family causation of schizophrenia in undergraduate abnormal psychology textbooks. Reviews texts published only after 1986. Points out a number of implications for psychologists which arise from the inclusion in these texts of the idea that parents cause schizophrenia, not the least of which is the potential for…

Investigates whether enriching text with analogies, similes, and metaphors has an impact on student cognitive learning and attitudes. Reports no gain on achievement, negative gain on attitude, no gain on proposition recall test, and negative gain on student attention to the text. (YP)

Recognizing that English-as-a-Second-Language students may take seven to eight years to reach proficiency in academic language comparable to the English-speaking peers, this study examined illustrations in Hong Kong, Japanese, Mexican, and Canadian social studies textbooks. Findings that illustrations/graphics are common across languages suggest…

Argues that children's literature contains strategies to confine texts within a narrow band of sociocultural values. The language of children's fiction offers conventionalized discourse by means of which content is encoded. These texts are symptomatic of how literature is complicit in the ideological construction of Australian childhood. (nine…