Four considerations for selecting a shorthand system are discussed: a system's viability in occupational situations; the ease with which it can be taught, learned, and transcribed; the appropriateness of instructional materials; and the ease with which those expert in another system can learn the new one. (AJ)

A plea for ethnic pluralism in the teaching of literature. (DD)

Raises issues and questions concerning the judicious choice of a textbook to teach the history of mathematics. (Author/KHR)

Summarizes the different spheres of drama and theatre activities in Hungary. Outlines the history of drama teaching in Hungary. Describes the achievements and problems of the present, such as the place of drama in the curriculum and help that benefits Hungarian speaking teachers elsewhere. Provides a short overview of the youth theatre of the…

Notes the readability level of many high school chemistry textbooks is far above students' reading levels. Conducts two separate studies, making every effort to keep the two classes as similar as possible in all aspects except text. Finds strong evidence that changing the chemistry textbook resulted in an increase in student achievement. Suggests…

Discusses appropriate reading material selection in light of content area reading instruction. Presents some ideas for determining the difficulty level of textbooks and other materials. Concludes that teaching reading in the content areas is one way to focus on the process of reading as an instrument to develop cognitive skills and thought…

Discusses issues involved in the selection of textbooks for family life education: diversity of marriage and family course offerings; difficulties in locating appropriate materials; and criteria for text selection. Reviews 14 university texts published in 1987 and 1988. Calls for texts which cover aspects of marriage and family with greater depth.…

Asserts that college composition courses should go beyond having students write about their own experiences and should encompass a study of texts that reveal conversations going on among educated people. Notes that successful programs have shown that such changes can be made. (SG)

Presents three commentaries--by a teacher, a textbook author, and a textbook publisher--examining issues associated with elementary and secondary school textbooks. (MM)

Reports on the evaluation of readability levels of 16 public speaking textbooks and 7 skills-oriented interpersonal communication textbooks. Finds sizable differences among public speaking textbooks. Advocates using readability data in the process of textbook selection and suggests how to do so. (SR)

Focuses on books, booklets, and position papers that would be useful reading for educators involved in making decisions about selecting materials for schools. Discusses guidelines for judging and selecting textbooks and studies and readings on textbooks. (PRA)

Examines the effectiveness of the basal reader selection process in one midwestern school district. Concludes that an effective basal reader selection process is one which results in teachers identifying materials that help bring about the type of reading instruction they seek for their classrooms. (MG)

Assails the problem of emphasizing "don'ts" in freshman English composition courses. Suggests remedies for negativism in teaching and calls for "delight" as a professional goal for freshman writing. Offers suggestions on selecting textbooks, maximizing student interaction in class, and bringing teacher writing into the…

According to analysis of the readability of textbooks used in 12 "common body of knowledge" courses in business administration, the higher the readability level, the lower the grade averages, fewer As, and the higher the number of withdrawals from the course. Although readability may not be the only influence, it is an important…

Explains the historical perspective of textbook selection and adoption. Discusses factors affecting textbook publishing. (YDS)