The overall goal of the study was to determine if a new text in electronic communications should be written, and if so, the nature of its content, depth, and format. A review of current related studies and study objectives are presented. A questionnaire was mailed to 50 post secondary technical schools, with 40 responding. Seven major objectives…

Thirty-six textbooks used by the Pittsburgh public schools at grade levels K-5 were reviewed to see how they treat girls vs. boys and men vs. women. Language, reading, science, social studies, and mathematics texts were evaluated. Blatant sexism is found in all areas. Different ideas of behavior and mores are propagated for boys than for girls;…

Examines three recent elementary school level language arts textbook programs to determine the frequency of writing activities, the nature of writing tasks, and the frequency of process-approach activities such as selecting topics, prewriting, sharing, revising, and publishing. Finds that process activities were seldom recommended. (SKC)

Reports on the findings of an examination of 32 linear algebra textbooks. The examination, to determine existing approaches to teaching the topics, was in preparation for developing a linear algebra program for high school students. (PK)

An analysis of elementary social studies textbook series showed that the images presented in the texts do not equate with the reality that most Australians experience. A more realistic approach to teaching about Australia would be to examine the lifestyles of urban Australians. Possible ways of doing this are discussed. (RM)

Reports the results of a survey of 640 high school biology teachers indicating that they may not be aware of the positive effects of prereading activities and other strategies for enhancing students' comprehension of text. (AEA)

A study examined geography texts to evaluate their adequacy for meeting the diverse needs of students and to recommend modifications that will address specific deficits. Four geography textbooks were selected based on consultations with publishers, teachers, and school administrators to be representative of geography textbooks adopted in the…

This study investigates how teachers and students assess the textbooks they use in history courses at the high school level in Turkey. The study included 61 high schools in 23 provinces representing the 7 geographic regions of Turkey. Through a survey questionnaire, teachers and students were asked their perceptions of the textbooks. Then a…

Three summaries of research projects concerning teacher professional development are described. The first summary describes an inservice education survey to determine important topics for professional development. The second study examines teachers' particular needs with respect to professional development. The third study discusses sexism in…

The purpose of this study was to analyze three aspects of minority representation in selected second- and third-grade readers: diversity, settings, and involvement. Textbook evaluators were male and female urban and rural elementary school teachers (Asian Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans). (EF)

The linguistic complexity of grammatical structures depends on their usage. Such complexity must be purposefully controlled by the teacher of English as a second language. Examples of shortcomings in the presentation of various structures in current textbooks illustrate this point. (PMJ)

Compared were the results of a 1973 study with the results of a similarly analyzed sample of recent textbooks with respect to gender fairness. Illustrations of named and unnamed figures both adult and young were analyzed in seven recent textbooks. (KR)

Examines whether elementary textbooks enhance a socially active mathematics education program. Reports that young females and minorities are adequately portrayed in five mathematics textbook series; representation of careers, however, is less than adequate. Sixteen references are listed. (YP)

Reports on misconceptions held by intermediate grade students concerning chemistry textbook concepts, on the relation of reasoning ability to those misconceptions, and on the extent that textbooks encourage misconceptions. Concludes that the level of understanding displayed for the selected concepts, in combination with the nature of students'…

Analyzes society and social ideals portrayed in 94 elementary-level textbooks in British Columbia. Identifies prominent themes under four headings: technology and consumerism; the personal world of children; what it means to be Canadian; and morality and religion. Concludes that authors encourage conformity rather than transformation of society.…