Christian humanism programs initiated in 1978 at the following four colleges are described: The College of St. Catherine , St. Paul, Minnesota; Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, and St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. One of the principal features of the program is the introduction of new courses…

This guide to writing and publishing in vocational education is divided into four sections. The first section outlines guidelines for writing for professional journals. Specific topics included are (1) writing for your audience, (2) introducing the subject, (3) the why of an article, (4) the how of an article, and (5) ten ways to get your article…

A PROCEDURE TO TEACH NATIVE SAMOANS HOW TO TEACH READING IS DESCRIBED. THE STORY SEQUENCE IDEA WAS USED FOR SELF-TEACHING. CLASS MEMBERS COLLECTED SAMOAN LEGENDS AND RECORDED VILLAGE LIFE IN ORIGINAL BOOKS ADAPTED TO VARIOUS READING LEVELS. THIS PRODUCTION WAS DIVIDED INTO SIX STEPS--(1) ANALYZING EXISTING TEXTBOOKS, (2) WRITING THE STORIES, (3)…

Suggestions for improving undergraduate language texts focus on four areas of concern. The author recommends that: (1) texts carefully delimit and objectively specify their scope, (2) writing be personalized, (3) materials be contextually exciting and challenging, and (4) objectives be "goal-oriented." (RL)

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)

Gives an overview of high school physics education in Japan. Discusses the history, curricular objectives, textbooks, and the entrance examination. Discusses several research groups and individuals and their activities. (YP)

Lists 25 steps and suggestions for the neophyte, including tips on teaching the related course, analyses of course tests, studying the competition, and coauthoring. An appendix contains selected sources on academic book publication. (CRH)

Two experimental language-learning textbooks were developed in collaboration with Apache-speaking scholars from the San Carlos and White Mountain Reservations. One was written in the grammar-translation tradition and modeled after successful textbooks for Navajo and Papago. While the text's main purpose is to teach elementary conversational…

This project developed materials for an innovative new approach to calculus for students in business, economics, liberal arts, management, and the social sciences. With the focus on rates and accumulation of change and their interpretations in real life situations, the materials are data driven, technology based, and feature a unique modeling…

Topics include: (1) the content, style, and level of physics' textbooks; (2) suggestions for in-class use; and (3) recommendations for upgrading current texts. (SK)

Frances FitzGerald's critique of American social studies and history curricula in "America Revised" is reviewed. The conclusion drawn is that censorship, special interests, and marketability exercise too great an influence on the textbook industry. (JMF)

Discusses the appropriate bases for using instructional materials for English-as-a-Second-Language classes and points to student writing as a previously overlooked source for teaching materials. The article emphasizes the importance of handling legal and ethical issues properly when using student materials and lists guidelines for editing the…

Refutes the claim that textbooks are responsible for educational difficulties. States that textbooks are a reflection of what teachers want. Provides a behind the scenes look at textbook production. Points out the problems created by the lack of a national curriculum and the textbook policies of state adoption committees. (RW)

In response to the need for a system of control over the academic quality of distance education texts, this article proposes a methodological model based on criteria that evaluate written materials based on their instructional quality, design, and production. A discussion and figures evaluate educational aspects of content, communication,…

Examines inconsistencies in science textbook discussions of vector quantities and force. Provides illustrations of textbook inconsistencies related to Newton's laws of motion and the concepts of centrifugal and coriolis force. (MDH)