Discusses the possibility of grading authentic texts (those not specifically prepared) for language teaching. Grading would be based on the student activity required and the difficulty of comprehension of the text. Assumed background knowledge, layouts, and graphics are also discussed, along with some practical tips for text selection. (PJM)

Discusses technical writing textbooks and assignments that can be used in advanced courses in technical writing. (RL)

Describes teaching techniques for using the multitext approach to English to motivate high school students. (DD)

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…

Technical writing instructors lack a framework for evaluating pedagogical materials. One framework for classification divides the pedagogical materials into three groups: those locating their heuristics in form, context, and method. Formal pedagogies (the modes, sentence generation) can produce generic writing, separated from audience, purpose,…

Provides a framework for objectively selecting a biology textbook based upon credible recommendations from the professional literature. This framework especially draws from recent research findings in science, learning theory, and instruction. (Contains 25 references.) (PR)

Discusses new ideas about teacher education, specifically, the need to develop a literate community of teachers who are familiar with the most current educational philosophy and theories. (SRT)

Claims that teaching reading is one of the responsibilities of social studies teachers and suggests that teachers can incorporate reading into their regular instruction by knowing reading levels of student and textbooks, providing supplementary reading materials, and working with reading specialists. Journal available from The Social Studies…

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)

Intended for primary school teachers involved in social studies instruction, this paper offers guidelines for selecting and using children's literature to teach social studies concepts. The paper first deals with selecting children's literature works, presenting basic considerations relating children's developmental stages to characteristics of…

Discusses the use of content area textbooks and indicates that content textbooks are difficult for students to understand because the books generally are not well written. Offers solutions for how to use content textbooks and illustrates how lessons can be created through the integration of tradebooks and through discussions in which critical…

Intended for educational practitioners interested in basic skills instruction, the papers in the first section of this volume detail the progress that has been made in classroom research during the past decade and discusses three characteristics of effective teaching--teacher expectations, active teaching, and classroom management. The second…

Designed to give the teacher ideas for enlivening and enriching the teaching of business subjects, this publication on teaching keyboarding/typewriting is part of the Rapid Reader series. It begins by differentiating between keyboarding and typewriting and establishing the criteria for making decisions regarding appropriate content and…

Outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using a single textbook in a college-level economic geography course. Argues that, if a course text is used thoughtfully, the advantages can outweigh the disadvantages. Asserts that students must take greater responsibility for their own learning and develop independent inquiry skills. (CFR)

Ways in which social studies teachers can help students in grades 6, 7, and 8 improve their reading comprehension and understanding of social studies ideas and concepts are discussed, and sample reading comprehension activities are provided. First, teachers must choose a textbook with readability and concept levels appropriate for their students.…