Examines photographs in educational psychology texts, subjects of studies reported in the "Journal of Educational Psychology," and references reported in the Educational Resources Information Center's (ERIC) system to determine if there is a bias in favor of studies relevant only to elementary school children. Finds a definite focus on…

Presents an analysis of the treatment of Newton's Laws and relativistic mass in the nine most popular college physics textbooks. Concludes that only two textbooks give a correct interpretation of relativistic mass and only a single text gives a correct discussion of Newton's First Law. (JRH)

Discusses the lack of calculus textbook improvements even though there have been complaints about them from students and professors. Argues against using commercial textbooks in calculus instruction. (ASK)

The critical reading of research involves: (1) comprehension, (2) evaluation, and (3) application. A study examined six recently published textbooks to determine to what extent they attempt to help students learn to apply educational research; these texts were specifically designed for "consumers" of research (i.e., critical readers of…

Evolution education is of increasing interest to the science education community. This special issue of the "Journal of Research in Science Teaching" has been devoted to the subject of evolution. The following articles are included: (1) "Evolution: Biological Education's Under-Researched Unifying Theme" by Catherine L. Cummins, Sherry S. Demastes,…

Mathematics textbooks embody a particular set of assumptions about mathematics or the mathematics intended for students at a particular level. An epistemological analysis of textbooks can provide some context for understanding, for example the difficulties many students encounter when moving from high school to collegiate mathematics. In this…

Twenty-five introductory college psychology textbooks are analyzed for terms most frequently used, the textbooks which employed the largest number of frequently used terms; similarity among textbooks; and the relationship between readability and technical thoroughness of the texts. (Author/JR)

The study surveyed colleges to determine what texts were being selected for use in graduate level courses in gifted education. The types and levels of the courses, as well as the reasons for selection of the identified texts, were also determined. A summary of text content plus respondent comments is provided for the most frequently selected…

Certain educational objectives are proposed for undergraduate and graduate international studies education, investigating the interrelationship of these objectives and evaluating the appropriateness and adequacy of current texts for such objectives. (Author/KM)

Responding to "Observations on the Use of Textbooks in the Teaching of Principles of Economics," Dolan agrees with Boskin's appraisal of textbooks. Explains why texts share common faults and proposes possible means of alleviating them. Examines five constraints on textbook writers, stating that by changing them, authors can change their…

Responding to Stiglitz's article "On the Market for Principles of Economics Textbooks: Innovation and Product Differentiation," Schiller disputes the claim that there is growing dissatisfaction with textbooks, stating that the central issue in the debate is "how best to teach economic principles." Discusses the importance of…

Contends that if textbooks are to be improved it is essential that teachers, administrators, and textbook selectors become more demanding and discriminating consumers. Examines various textbook components that need improvement such as: (1) photographs; (2) basic skills exercises; (3) worksheets; and (4) content. (BSR)

Discusses content, perspective, and level of analysis of nine recent books suitable for use in an undergraduate course on the role of women in the labor market. Four books are judged more suitable as standard textbooks; the remaining five function better as collections of supplementary readings. (Author/DH)

Reports that variation in textbook prices is not correlated with textbook quality as judged by instructors and that university faculty are less price conscious when selecting textbooks than are community college faculty. States that, if faculty had greater access to price information, textbook prices would decrease. Makes recommendations for…

Discusses a graduate course on teaching the Vietnam War in which 15 secondary teachers participated. Analyzes the shortcomings of textbooks, particularly in the coverage of the human aspects of the war. Notes methods used by some participants to increase student interest in the subject. (GEA)