Textbook passages commonly include elaborations (details supporting main ideas) with the assumption that elaborations will improve learning of the main ideas. However, elaborations increase text length, which subsequently increases the reading time of that text. These observations lead to the two focal questions of interest in the current study:…

Textbooks play an important role in educational contexts especially in EFL contexts their role are more highlighted. Textbook evaluation in any type, predictive or retrospective, is a necessary part of curriculum design and in this sense is a worthwhile means of conducting research. Recently, Top Notch series have become widely used in Iranian…

Claims that many intermediate macroeconomic textbooks contain incorrect examples of aggregate demand curves. Diagrams correct and incorrect curves and discusses how incorrect diagrams can lead students to draw wrong conclusions. Argues that textbooks should not sacrifice correctness for simplicity. (RKM)

A history of the search for the structure of DNA, as revealed in the evolution of biochemistry and genetics textbooks, reveals that they are unacceptably tardy in presenting the current (or even the recent) state of knowledge. This problem places an extra burden on biology teachers to supplement these texts.

Examines photographs in educational psychology texts, subjects of studies reported in the "Journal of Educational Psychology," and references reported in the Educational Resources Information Center's (ERIC) system to determine if there is a bias in favor of studies relevant only to elementary school children. Finds a definite focus on…

This article shows examples of techniques to aid reading comprehension and vocabulary development in the study of economics. Discussed are textbook introduction exercises, structured overviews, selective reading guides, and word study guides. (CJ)

Managed texts are written and designed by a team of writers and researchers under the direction and control of a publishing house. How these books got started, what needs they meet, their advantages and disadvantages, and the consequences they are having on college text publishing are addressed. (JMD)

Presents a broad overview of instruction about Asia in European schools. Identifies problems that limit the amount and quality of instruction, including the limitations of teachers, unchanging course syllabi, and inadequate textbooks. Provides suggestions for improving instruction. (JDH)

Reports that a Texas advocacy group discovered thousands of errors in U.S. history textbooks. Notes that the books underwent the review after drawing favorable reactions from Texas education officials. Identifies possible explanations for the errors and steps being taken to reduce errors in the future. (SG)

High school physics, if taught properly, should be accessible to 50% of students rather than the currently estimated 20% of students. Suggests changes that need to be made in course format, including giving plenty of problem-solving help, improving high school texts to conform to principles of learning, and designing a course so that all can…

California's Board of Education recently rejected all of the more than 20 seventh- and eighth-grade science textbooks submitted to it because the books' publishers had "watered down" the treatment of evolution. Rationale for the board's decision and implications for publishing (such as revising the textbooks) are addressed. (JN)

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)

For most students textbooks are the main source of their information about scientific concepts; however, there are a number of errors which frequently appear in textbooks and are consequently transmitted to both teachers and students. Some of these errors which may represent widespread misconceptions of teachers are outlined. (Author)

Calls for new textbooks to teach Russian literature. Complains of inappropriate wording for young people, officious and boring content, and a lack of humanistic themes in existing textbooks. Suggests that a text be compiled from among the best literary and critical articles to develop in students a love and understanding of literature. (DK)

Provides a review of the use of history textbooks in United States schools. Focuses special attention on studies which sought to determine the treatment of specific groups or themes in secondary history textbooks by applying content analysis techniques. Concludes that only a limited number of studies quantified the data upon which the analysis was…