A distinction is made between the learnability and readability of text materials. Learnability refers to the extent to which new learning results from reading a passage; readability refers to the extent to which a passage is comprehended. Cleraly, comprehension can occur without new learning. Classic readability formulas use text characteristics…

Aspects of textbooks' readability are discussed and some recommendations are made. The results of applying three readability tests to 13 current textbooks are presented. (Author/BB)

Suggests caution in using readability formulas in determining how to use a textbook for instruction and suggests other factors to consider. (MKM)

Reviews 16 successful, college-level anthropology textbooks, examining content, clarity, readability, audience level, scholarship, and focus. Advocates greater coverage of topics such as applied anthropology and suggests attention be given to alternatives to the standard cultural institutions of marriage, religion, etc. States that the scientific…

To increase student success in technical content area reading, the reading abilities of l,027 students and the readability levels of ll0 textbooks were evaluated at a California community college. Results indicated a significant portion of students were reading more than two years below the level of currently used texts. (Author/BS)

Comparison of evaluation method and results of ten introductory psychology textbooks. They were evaluated according to both Flesch formulas and student opinions on both readability and interest levels. (ND)

Describes how teachers can use the Fry's Readability Graph to determine the reading level of textbooks in use and those being considered for adoption. Provides a listing of the reading levels of selected junior high school science texts. (JR)

Analysis of third-grade books in the New Macmillan Reading Program reveals that the books exceeded the publisher's designation of readability and did not progress in difficulty from easy to more difficult. Findings suggest the need for more complete and reliable information from publishers concerning textbook readability. (FL)

Describes how to use a readability graph to determine the reading level of Biology textbooks. (MA)

Presents results of a study of two-level reading books; concludes that it seems worthwhile to use two-level readers experimentally in schools. (AEA)

Discusses reading levels of books in the sciences, and explains the use of the Readability Graph. Also reported are reading levels of selected high school physics texts. (GA)

Ten introductory textbooks on mental retardation were analyzed with the Flesch formula for reading ease and interest. All texts fell in the "difficult, college level" category for complexity, but seven were classified as "dull" and three "mildly interesting." Most included adequate organizational aids, and agreement…

Discussion of the notion of readability focuses on predicting readability with computerized readability formulas. Semantic and syntactic factors are discussed, the development of readability formulas is described, and five commercially available computer readability formulas are reviewed, including the Readability Estimator, Readability Formulas,…