A year after publication of "The Bell Curve," an informal survey found that the book is being used as college course reading, whether optional or assigned, and that it is being discussed. Its impact on public policy in higher education, particularly in justifying reduced spending for racial minorities, is discussed. (SLD)

Describes the criteria used for textbook selection or rejection, how the criteria differ depending on the level of students, and how the criteria differ according to the instructor's training. Discusses results and implications for students, instructors, and publishers. (CW)

Reports the results of a national survey on teaching introductory physics at the college level. Lists the names of the most frequently used textbooks, reasons for changing textbooks used earlier, information regarding laboratory manuals, and instructor's comments on this type of course. (YP)

Describes a university-level English-as-a-Second-Language program that includes integration of text and film that bolsters the extensive reading process. Criteria for the selection of resource materials included a challenging vocabulary, an interesting plot, compatibility of film and text version, and universal themes. Integrating books and films…

Describes complexities experienced in revising an introductory course in western civilization at the University of Kansas. Observes an important component was the inclusion of primary sources on the reading list. Discusses text selection and explains the efforts to achieve a historical balance and cover issues such as racism, sexism, and…

Procedures and findings of a recent introductory psychology textbook selection effort at 4-year liberal arts undergraduate institution are presented. The following sequential steps were taken: (1) identification of introductory texts for consideration; (2) design of an evaluation form for reviewing targeted books; and (3) collection and analysis…

J. D. Bransford's tetrahedral model of learning considers four variables: (1) learning activities, (2) characteristics of the learner, (3) criterial tasks, and (4) the nature of the materials. Bransford's model provides a research-based theoretical framework that can be used to teach, model, and have students apply a variety of study strategies to…

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…

Discusses usefulness of various texts, offering a "functional catalog" listing texts in various groups, one showing relative difficulty, others being contrast pairs, as: generalized/specialized, intensive/extensive, historical/present. Criteria for choosing texts for teaching qualities are given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Compares priorities of language functions (1) between community college and university studnets; (2) between students enrolled in traditional language courses and those in conversational language courses; and (3) among students in first-term French, German, and Spanish at a community college. Results are presented in six tables. (Author/LMO)

Summarizes the findings used in developing a directory of interpretive curricula in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Reports on the numbers of schools offering courses, majors, specializations, and degrees in interpretation, as well as the texts, and the areas of content that are emphasized in the curricula. (TW)

Examines how information from psychological and educational research was used to develop and implement a remedial chemistry course, focusing on the viewpoint of a learning process based on research in cognitive science. Comments on textbook selection, testing, scheduling, instructional strategies, and other areas are included. (JN)

This article focuses on the political and economic realities surrounding textbook publishing. A discussion of the publishing industry includes an examination of industry decision makers and the influence of profit. State textbook adoption policies are also explored. (IAH)

Presents recommendations for a teachers'-guide evaluation checklist intended for less-experienced English-as-a-Second-Language teachers. The checklist can be used independently to meet various objectives. Notes reasons for evaluating materials, discusses published checklists, and presents a revised compilation of their criteria and a concise…

Various perspectives on the highly complex textbook debate are presented in this book, which includes essays by educators, publishers, policymakers, and scholars. Currently, the advocates of higher academic standards, coherence, and quality occupy the strongest position in the debate. Part 1 looks at textbooks from a historical perspective. The…