In this work, we developed an ontological tool, based on the scientific realism of Mario Bunge, for the analysis of the presentation of natural processes in science textbooks. This tool was applied to analyze the presentation of the concept of osmosis in 16 chemistry and biology books at different educational levels. The results showed that more…

This article describes ten of what the author considers to be the most important references in the field of literacy education based on their influence on teaching practices and educational theory.

Surveys eleven currently available undergraduate textbooks on industrial organization. Concludes that some texts have an economics emphasis and others a policy emphasis. Rates the content of each text according to established criteria. (JDH)

Defines textbook genre as the manner of presentation of material and implied relationship between the author and reader. Describes a method of objectively dividing textbooks into moves separated by shifts in emphasis, and gives a genre analysis of an exemplar textbook to demonstrate how the technique might be useful in evaluating textbooks for…

Eight college listening texts were selected and evaluated by the following criteria: organization, supporting material, and readability. Text organization was assessed by preface material, table of contents, index, and references. Text supporting material was evaluated by the use of hard data, soft data, visual aids, and bibliographies. Text…

Surveys lists of English texts approved for use in states and large city school districts and draws eight conclusions about the most commonly used composition texts. (DD)

A team of faculty members and graduate students identified major concepts and developed validated test questions for two widely used textbooks in personal hygiene classes in order to standardize norms for classes and supplement inadequate instructor's manuals. (JMF)

Because the state of Texas is the largest single market for secondary texts in the nation and because its state adoption process has drawn a small but well-organized group of protestors, the Texas textbook adoption process has begun to shape textbooks in use nationwide. A study was conducted to examine the arguments most recently used by citizens…

Analyzed man-environment textbooks to characterize the "typical" book and determine which criteria need to be assessed most carefully by instructors. The study's purpose was not to decide which book was best, but to evaluate which features of books vary most. Provides four questions as tools for the initial textbook screening process.…

Examines 25 contemporary public speaking textbooks to determine how the subject of communication apprehension (CA) is addressed. Finds that textbooks present accurate information about CA; however, much of the material presented in the texts is dated, and frequently derived from nonacademic sources. (MS)

The task of choosing the right text(s) for an undergraduate music theory program is difficult, at best. Sixty-seven U.S. institutions of higher learning offering graduate degrees in music theory were surveyed to determine what undergraduate textbooks were used, how long they have been used, and how satisfied the schools were with the texts. The…

This paper addresses the question of whether introductory students are learning the essential concepts of sociology. A study of 18 introductory sociology textbooks, dated from 1973 through 1977, indicates that these basic concepts are not clearly and intelligibly presented. Although over 1500 concepts were included in 18 glossaries, only one…

Argues that a critical area in the advancement of literacy is the production of textbooks that reflect recent insights on language and discourse. Examines procedures by which textbooks are reviewed and produced and suggests guidelines for the establishment of rational criteria for textbook production. (FL)