Open educational resources (OER) can make educational resources widely available to all students and educators for free; however, OER are still untried in many academic programmes in higher education. This article reports a case of adoption of an open access textbook for an introductory information systems course and discusses the process and…

This paper outlines a procedure for language textbook analysis from the perspective of second language acquisition (SLA) principles as a preliminary procedure to evaluation for selection. The aim is to provide a tool that allows comparison of the potential of textbooks for supporting students' language learning. To this end, ten general principles…

Passages from three selected samples of textbooks are used to show what requirements are made of textbooks in the social sciences. Some hints are given to the teacher for converting reading suggestions into instructional material. Short texts from Karl Marx are also suggested. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

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…

A review of research on writing textbooks suggests that in general, they do not reflect current theories in either content or instructional approach. Examination of some second language writing textbooks reveals three types: (1) those with a traditional approach emphasizing grammar, form, and models; (2) books acknowledging but not integrating new…

The objective of this study was to collect "baseline" data with which to examine a complex process in the educational system--the selection of educational materials. The first part of the study analyzes the statutes of the fifty states which bear upon selection and purchase of educational materials. The purpose of this analysis is to…

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…

Designed for publishers and producers, this document initiates the annual subject area(s) adoption of basic instructional materials for California schools, kindergarten through eighth grade. The document presents an overview of the total instructional materials adoption-distribution process, specific instructions relating to initial submissions…

A framework to be used in text selection is set out as a series of questions, divided into five broad groups. The author uses the framework to analyze four texts. (MK)

Presents a fictionalized account illustrating the process by which willful states, misguided experts, cunning marketeers, and overworked teachers and administrators produce textbooks that are ill-written, confusing, misleading, and boring. (BJV)

Materials development in English for Science and Technology (EST), particularly for English-as-a-Foreign-Language university students, is discussed with reference to the current EST situation in Taiwan. Issues include content vs. skills approach, textbook selection or innovation, process- vs. product-oriented materials, and authentic vs.…

Publishers are compelled by public policies and practices to produce textbooks that confuse students with non sequiturs, mislead them with misinformation, and bore them with pointlessly arid writing. Recommendations for textbook policy are proposed. (BJV)

This article points out the difficulties teachers have in selecting suitable materials for teaching English for special purposes. Universal textbooks, designed to suit all possible situations, are not specific enough. The article proposes ways in which a broader spectrum of materials might be obtained: (1) by producing textbooks with optional…

This is one of a series of implementation documents prepared in conjunction with the revised minimum standards adopted in 1983 by the Ohio State Board of Education. Its purpose is to provide guidelines for developing a local policy governing selection of instructional materials, including textbooks, equipment, the library collection, and…

Supports a national core curriculum for Canadian public schools which incorporates attitudes and values consistent with the economic, cultural, and social well-being of the country. Notes needs for materials development and selection, student evaluation methods and leadership, and lists seven concerns regarding a national curriculum. (SB)