While research in mathematics education has shown that mathematics assessments are highly consequential, traditional assessments often lag behind advancements in instructional methods. One such advancement is the promotion of mathematical habits of mind such as students' abilities to critique others' reasoning. This study explored the use of…

In the United States, fractions are an important part of the middle school curriculum, yet many middle school students struggle with fraction concepts. Teachers also have difficulty with the conceptual understanding needed to teach fractions and rely on textbooks when making instructional decisions. This reliance on textbooks, the idea that…

This study compared one lesson across four U.S. "traditional" textbook series, two U.S. reform-based textbook series, and one Chinese mathematics textbook series in teaching the connection between multiplication and division. The results showed the differences across U.S. and Chinese lessons in both the teaching and the practice parts of…

In the 19th century the textbook dominated the curriculum and methods of instruction. The most important textbook was the textbook of reading known as the reader. In the early 1800s science was not established as a separate primary grade subject. The science students encountered in these reading textbooks may have been their only formal science…

Provides information concerning the development and use of the Textbook Questioning Strategies Assessment Instrument (TQSAI). (CP)

Discussed is the status of textbooks in science instruction. Described are ways in which teachers can use the textbook more effectively. A multilevel approach to science textbooks is described. A list of easy-reading science textbooks for earth, general, and physical science is included. (KR)

A survey of Illinois biology teachers (N=156) indicates that textbooks are major factors in determining the teaching of ecology (relevant in teaching science/society issues and for developing environmental literacy). Data on textbooks used, extent of use, instructional methods, ecological concepts taught, environmental problems discussed, and…