Between 1972 and 1975, textbook publishers have issued position papers and guidelines for authors which both identify the areas of bias (sex, race, and career) hidden in public school textbooks and suggest alternative measures for authors and editors to consider in order to avoid these biases. This study was begun in 1972 to determine whether…

A review of research and literature in the teaching of writing suggests two divergent forces operating simultaneously. First, the conservative tradition perpetuates the national mania for correctness and reverence for standard English. Second, a wide range of theoretical approaches proliferates through professional journal articles and books. To…

A study was made to discover how the public school educator views the library and its librarian and what attempts are made in Kentucky teacher training institutions to offer instruction in the use of library facilities. Specific questions involved the image and role of libraries in education textbooks and courses, and the implications of that…

In 1971 and 1972 a group of Ecuadorean evaluators planned and carried out an evaluation of the new textbooks for reading, mathematics, and sciences in the first grade classrooms of 88 schools. A field experiment was designed in which each school was assigned to a test condition: (1) obligatory use of all the textbooks and guides, (2) use of the…

The purpose of this dissertation is twofold: (1) to provide a secondary school literature textbook suitable for use in an 8- or 10-week period, all of whose selections share the theme of sports; and (2) to provide a three part rationale for such a textbook--the first part discussing the evolution, uses, and potential of the thematic unit as a…

This thesis is the result of efforts made to gain an understanding of the slow learner in order to obtain background material for the future writing of a homemaking textbook, which will be geared to the needs and objectives of below average individuals. Included are discussions of such topics as: (1) What Is the Slow Learner Like, (2) Identifying…

Imbedded aids are units of assistance and enrichment woven into textual material to aid in reading comprehension. Eighteen specific types of aids have been developed so far, ranging from line numbering locators to independent study suggestions. This paper presents an imbedded-aids prototype, a partial rationale for the approach, and a critique of…

A set of textbooks used in grades one through six was analyzed to determine the degree of social realism in the books. Results indicated that the selected set of textbooks was socially realistic, reflecting the diversity of cultures that exists in the United States. The texts contained stories that pictured whites, blacks, and other minorities in…

Reports the results of a study which surveyed 237 junior and senior high school teachers' endorsement and use of selected content area reading strategies. Results showed a substantial gap between the teachers' generally positive attitude toward the reading practices and their level of use of the practices in the classroom. (JDH)

Investigates the extent to which the content of 55 college vocabulary texts is consistent with current research and theory on vocabulary instruction. Recommends less reliance on memorization and more emphasis on deep understanding and independent vocabulary development. (SKC)

Describes a study that explored and inductively classified analogies in 26 science textbooks, ranging from elementary to postsecondary level, to provide a systematic description of the phenomenon and generate prescriptive principles for their use in instruction. Classification categories include analogical relationship, presentation format,…

Examines the effect of refutation text structure (text that contrasts correct ideas with incorrect ones) on students' misconceptions of Newtonian mechanics, noting that refutation text is efffective in getting students to change their prior misconceptions. Also suggests two ways to help students abandon misconceptions that are not refuted in a…

Studies changes in the political culture of China from 1970-1976 through an analysis of elementary/secondary language textbooks. Agrees that texts are political handbooks for the young, providing them with rules and guidelines for behavior and revealing political reality as leaders would like the young to view it. (NEC)

A survey of sixth-form students to determine the level of A-level textbook use in physics, chemistry, and biology in English schools found that texts are used primarily after the lesson, at the student's discretion, and with great variations between students. Biology texts were used most, and physics texts used least. (MBR)

Course books are said to be the core of language teaching and learning processes on which the EFL teachers and English language institutes obviously base their activities. EFL students often consult teachers for a suitable textbook or even a good institute to be recommended to them for self-study or regular classroom attendance. Frankly speaking,…