A study examining 14 introductory textbooks in exceptionalities, published between 1992 and 1995, found that the cultural diversity topics discussed most consistently included bilingual issues, identification and assessment issues, overrepresentation in special education, underrepresentation in gifted programs, and the relationship of culture to…

Analyzes leading journal citations for introductory sociology textbooks to determine if there has been a decline in the quality of such textbooks. Discovers a greater percentage of citations to earlier textbooks. Suggests, however, that this could be due to expanded publishing opportunities and the emphasis given to original research. (MJP)

The first phase of a study investigating textbook readability and students' reading levels used three traditional formulas to assess the readability levels of 51 primary textbooks from college introductory social science courses in 7 disciplines. The second phase investigated the relationship between the readability levels of students' texts,…

This paper begins with a discussion of reasons why the Uganda College of Commerce was established and how the curriculum for the Uganda Diploma in Business Studies (UDBS) was developed. A historical survey of the course development is presented, focusing on the course objectives. The achievements and non-achievements of the UDBS are analyzed,…

A study examined 20 beginning college interpersonal or relational communication textbooks to determine the degree to which they dealt with any or all of 10 specific communication competencies. The 10 competencies, targeted from numerous other evaluation systems and scales, are as follows: (1) describing feelings, (2) initiating and maintaining…

This article surveys a sample of first-year college Spanish textbooks published in the 1970s. The textbooks are analyzed on the basis of the following components: grammar, exercises, pronunciation, language skills, vocabulary, review sections, culture, dialogues, special features, workbooks, and contents of the instructor's manual. (CFM)

Analyzes 10 editions of an introductory college psychology textbook to determine changes in the content. Reveals that coverage of consciousness, personality, abnormal (disorders), therapies, and social psychology increased, while coverage of introductory material, learning, methods, intelligence, developmental psychology, and applied psychology…

Teachers of business English and business communication must carefully evaluate the business English phenomena presented in textbooks, especially American textbooks used in foreign countries. An analysis of American texts illustrates an approach to teaching basic speaking and writing skills through simple rules, unrealistic examples, and lessons…

The importance of text materials in foreign language classrooms is a crucial issue and choosing a textbook and supplementary materials becomes a major area of concern for every foreign language teacher. While factors both external and internal to the school narrow the possibility of choice, several points must be considered in the selection…

Educational policy in France emphasizes international and global relationships as well as relevance of education to students' and society's needs. Educational priorities include increasing school attendance of two to four-year-olds, limiting class size to 35, and equalizing enrollments between urban and rural areas. There are three levels in the…

This publication is intended to help secondary and college level teachers locate textbooks, curriculum units, audiovisuals, and other resources on China. The guide's contents include the following: (1) Teaching Materials on Contemporary China: A Critical Evaluation; (2) Adapting Scholarly Work to the Needs of Educators; (3) Teaching about China in…

Argues that introductory courses in college biology do a poor job of encouraging students to enter a career in biology. Cites examples of poorly written textbooks and treatments of various aspects of biology including basic definitions, cells and their operations, the mechanics of life, the nervous system, evolution and sex. (TW)

The role that evaluation can play in educational reform in China is discussed, drawing on an ongoing study of present evaluation practices and the identification, development, and evaluation of texts and materials for teaching university students about evaluation. Case studies of evaluation in Shanghai illustrate current practices. (SLD)

Seven basic models for teaching languages for special purposes (LSP) are outlined: (1) language-levels; (2) skills; (3) rhetorical functions; (4) notions/concepts; (5) situations; (6) topics; and (7) tasks. These models are examined through analysis of the texts (textbooks, research documents, and others) used to teach LSP courses. Examples of…

Articles in these proceedings of a conference of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication represent the views of professional communicators and academicians who share a concern for providing breadth and quality of preparation for present and future technical communicators. Among the topics discussed in the 17 articles are…