Suggests that content analysis can provide answers about the types of messaging content and the longitudinal evolution of specialized codes in instructional computer-mediated communication (CMC). Shows that the uses and gratifications approach provides a perspective to ask questions about user motivations in instructional contexts, as well as the…

Discusses various quantitative and qualitative techniques used to examine nonlinguists' beliefs about language, focusing on content-orientated approaches to conversations with African Americans about African American Vernacular English. Approaches to discoursal meaning based on vantage theory and argument analysis are also considered. (MDM)

Presents data from a content analysis of mathematics textbooks for grades 1-8 showing that content areas were not evenly distributed throughout the texts and cautions against following a text in sequential order, which may cause students to miss important material. Includes a list of supplemental books and manipulatives. (MKR)

Responds to previous article by Stolley and Hall (this issue) on presentation of adoption and abortion in undergraduate marriage and family textbooks. Contends that Stolley and Hall have constructed the issue as involving but two options (abortion and adoption). Asserts that abortion and adoption are but two of several related topics. Considers…

Reviews a representative sample (10 U.S. journals) of psychological and educational literature from 1952 to 1973 to determine the focus on minorities and minority issues. Of an estimated 20,680 articles, 321 discussed minority issues, with the majority oriented toward blacks. Over the years, more articles on minorities appear. (SLD)

Describes differences in formative evaluation techniques between instructional designers and subject matter experts. Content analysis based on think-aloud data focusing on differences in task interpretation, problem identification and revision statements, and review strategies is discussed; use of instructional systems design models by…

Describes a study that examined the nature of the literature produced by a random sample of faculty in American Library Association accredited schools of library and information science from 1980-84. Highlights include types of publications, content, which journals rank highest for faculty publishing, and scholarly versus nonscholarly…

Discusses a study of "Channel One," a commercial television news program for high school students. Discusses supporters' and critics' reactions to the service. Reports that most Channel One commercials are aimed at teens and feature teen characters and pleasure/attractiveness themes. Suggests using the commercials as the focus of…

In evaluating 12 career-oriented and educational software packages to determine the presence and extent of gender bias, researchers found that gender fairness had not been achieved. They concluded that the evaluation of software should follow established gender-fair guidelines so that gender-biased materials will not be used in an educational…

Reconsiders the place of Peter Berger's "Invitation to Sociology," in teaching undergraduate sociology courses. Traces the success and intellectual impact of the work. Describes the image of sociology it presents. Reviews its treatment of human freedom as a sociological issue. Examines its world vision and evaluates its usefulness in…

Determines the extent to which postsecondary reading textbooks provide an awareness of and strategies for the use of both considerate and inconsiderate text features in the reading of content area textbooks. Analyses 46 postsecondary developmental reading textbooks. Finds that substantially more strategies in these texts concern considerate text…

Explains hyper-systems and discusses their role in active learning, presents results from an expert evaluation of current hyper-systems that use HyperCard, and suggests implications for designers of educational hypermedia. System criteria discussed include purpose, domain or content, structure, navigation methods, control mechanisms, and style of…

Argues that, by identifying physicist Erwin Schrodinger's book "What is Life?" as inspirational community-forming discourse, it is possible to recognize the rhetorical artistry of his negotiation between two audiences. Notes that the book builds common ground, applies productive ambiguity at a key point of collision, and skillfully…

Provides a brief synopsis of whole-language characteristics that could be germane to analyses of basal programs. Presents an assessment tool designed to assist teachers, administrators, and curriculum adoption teams in evaluating the degree to which commercial basal reader programs adhere to whole-language characteristics. (RS)

Twenty-eight books published from 1910 to 1949, 19 books published from 1990 to 1992, and 5 multiple edition books were reviewed to examine the presentations of statistical testing, particularly coverage of the p-value and fixed-alpha approaches. Statistical testing itself is not at fault, but some textbook presentations, testing practices, and…