Social studies methods textbooks constitute a rich source of data for trends in teaching and learning. This study examined twenty secondary social studies methods texts for the instructional approaches they recommend. The researchers concluded that methods texts published over the past fifty years consistently call for pedagogical variety and…

In recent years, the curriculum programs have been changed dramatically in Turkey, as part of a comprehensive reform initiative. The history curriculum for secondary schools was subjected to this transformation as well. This study examines the curriculum reform in terms of teacher autonomy, a key-concept for the comprehension and improvement of…

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

Effective procedures and techniques for using a textbook along with a philosophy of textbook use in k-12 schools are given in this second issue. The social studies textbook is described as a tool to be used in conjunction with other supplementary instructional materials, such as audio-visual materials, reference books, periodicals, and lectures.…

Describes and compares five basic German texts for high school students and includes the evaluative criteria used. (CK)

A study involving 81 eighth-graders found that those who used a conceptually organized (C-O) history textbook which presented content more conceptually and also provided multiple means to assist student's learning of history information, did significantly better on multiple choice questions than did students using a topically organized textbook.…

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)

Texts available for French courses in the highest grades are listed according to topics, which include: position of women, today's youth, the language of advertising, French colonialism, holidays and tourism, modern city living, criminality, French politics. Hints for the teacher are included. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Presents results of an Illinois State survey of 200 high school principals (48-percent return) in which respondents indicated the extent of censorship pertaining to teaching methods and textbooks and the originators of the censorship. Indicates that many potential items for censorship have not been of concern. (DC)

In order to derive the greatest benefit from French texts, instruction should be in three phases: Discovering the text and collecting information; sorting and practicing language items; integrating old and new vocabulary and language. Examples of discussion and test questions relating to certain texts are included. (CHK)

Examines tasks provided for students in most literature textbooks used in the United States, noting that these tasks typically control students' responses to literature. Relates these tasks to current theory and research on the reading process. Describes activities from literature texts used in Canada that facilitate literary response. (MM)

Describes the criteria used for textbook selection or rejection, how the criteria differ depending on the level of students, and how the criteria differ according to the instructor's training. Discusses results and implications for students, instructors, and publishers. (CW)

This paper discusses methods of teaching reading in the content areas at the middle school, junior high school, and secondary school levels. If a textbook is to be used, teachers should examine it by administering a readability formula and by checking the book's vocabulary, sentence patterns, and introduction of abstract concepts. To find how well…

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…

This paper describes two prospective English teachers' beliefs and understandings regarding literature and the teaching of literature. Through extensive interviews that included context-specific tasks, the study explored the subjects' prior experiences with literature, their conceptions regarding the nature of literature, and their perceptions of…