The concern of this paper is with techniques for improving the understandability of statistics textbooks for novices. Understandability is measured by tests of the reader's performance on creative transfer problems that require using text material in novel situations. The focus is primarily on the instructional objective of conceptual…

The second language teacher who wishes to meet the needs of students will supplement a well-chosen textbook with innovative instructional content and methods. The crucial element in deciding what and how to teach is learner characteristics. Discovering learning styles is especially important. The need to supplement textbook material arises…

This article describes textbook adaptations for special needs students. The article offers suggestions for detecting the compatibility of the textbook with students' reading and interest levels and presents four categories of adaptations: substitute the textbook, simplify the textbook, highlight key concepts in the textbook, and structure…

This study describes and assesses the state of bilingual curriculum development activities in the National Network of Centers for Bilingual Education. Recommendations are made for improvement in the creation, production, and distribution of bilingual instructional materials. The overall approach to the study was tripartite and focused on: (1) the…

Written for use by vocational-technical teachers as a reference, workshop resource, or resource for an individualized self-paced inservice package, this text is designed to provide knowledge and techniques necessary to develop or adapt modules for individualized instruction. Part 1 presents the basics of individualized instruction in three…

Distance education (DE) materials take a learner-centered approach rather than the traditionally content-centered approach of textbooks. This fact has several implications for the editing of DE materials. The role of the editor within the DE organization will depend on the organization's size and structure. The basic features of the DE program or…

Discusses the guidelines adopted in writing a 1980 English language textbook designed for business professionals and following the functional principles. Emphasizes the communicative skills approach implemented through situations and activities relevant to the business world, and describes the receptive and productive skills exercises provided in…

This "Writers' Handbook" was prepared in response to the many requests for "a book that tells how to write textbooks and other educational materials for schools." These requests have come from educators of other countries as well as from the United States. The authors believe that the handbook holds valuable information and suggestions for heads…