Offers a classification system for strategies used in task analysis (the identification of all the things that must be done to satisfactorily complete an activity) and applies these strategies to special education. Presents guidelines for selecting an appropriate form of task analysis. (MJP)

Analyzes, as a function of grade level, the representation of gender, competition, and violence in 17 top-selling software programs designed for mathematics education. Results indicate that mean percentages of violence, competition against the program and competition against a peer increase across grade level; mean percentages of female characters…

Demonstrates a procedure for teachers to use when evaluating multicultural books by reviewing two primary-level nonfiction books about Japan. Analyzes the use of photographs and the representation of the culture. Points out that, although nonfiction is valuable when teaching about other cultures, teachers should critically examine such books. (CH)

Analyzes transcripts of four reading lessons based on the Kamehameha Reading Program (emphasizing discussion and oral language within group reading lessons) given to three low-ability second grade readers. Identifies six components important to reading success, including contextual-based lessons, minimal skills instruction, and active quests for…

Hypothesizes that typographic cues structured according to a defined set of common attributes within textbooks enable readers to discriminate between various levels of information and to make generalizations about the information contained in each level. Proposes a method of identifying and ranking categories of information. (KEH)

Ten science textbooks (4,393 pages) for grades 6 and 7 were examined for their treatment of five top-ranked global problem issues (population growth, war technology, world hunger and food resources, air quality and atmosphere, and water resources). Implications for science education curricula from this content analysis are discussed. (SLD)

Examines recent content analysis of social studies textbooks in the United States and Canada, focusing on the detection of bias. Concludes that much needs to be done to improve textbook treatment of various ethnic groups, cultures, and regions or countries. States that it is the teacher's responsibility to provide alternative perspectives. (GEA)

Describes study conducted in West Germany that investigated the effects of presentation features and content on learning from television news. Recall, recognition, and comprehension are discussed; illustrated news items are examined; dependent and independent variables are described; and suggestions for further research are given. (33 references)…

Maintains that most students learn how sociologists study social stratification in introductory sociology courses. Presents a content analysis of 15 introductory college textbooks to determine whether they use distributional or relational approaches as the basis for their treatment of social class. Finds that depictions of class are…

Reports a six-year study of explicit references to young children's small physical stature in an Australian newspaper. Suggests that when newspaper representations of children and childhood are examined for their focus on children's diminutive size, two conflicting themes emerge: endearment versus depreciation. Suggests that these size-value…

Reports on an analysis of history textbooks used in Canadian schools during the 1930s. Presents a set of six criteria used by the evaluators. Concludes that the textbook study is a reminder of the period when the social studies curriculum was the subject of political criticism from the left. (CFR)

Focuses on how second-language children are portrayed in reading and language arts methods textbooks and in practice-oriented reading and language arts journals. Suggests that, although teachers probably have had some contact with issues in second-language reading, professional writings do not provide a thorough discussion of second-language…

This content analysis of 39 state definitions of "developmentally delayed infants and toddlers" for Part H of Public Law 99-457 focused on types of children, conditions listed as established conditions, criteria used to determine delay, and criteria delineated for "at risk" status. The analysis found some type of problem in…

Analyzes the quality and content of written messages sent from nine schools and three district offices to residents of their respective communities. Analysis of 594 communiques indicates that they are usually quite functional, although typically dull and targeted toward society's mainstream. Ideas for improvement are discussed. (SLD)

Science activities of the 14 science textbooks most commonly used in middle and junior high school were analyzed and coded to determine the level of the thinking skills emphasized in comparison to supplemental guide activities. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in the quantity but not quality of the thinking…