Formative evaluation of new readings for a professional life insurance course provided specific student comments pinpointing areas which were problematic in terms of comprehension or treatment of the topics. Description of a solution to this particular text selection and development problem is provided. (RL)

Forty introductory psychology texts from the 1950s and 160 texts from the 1970s were compared for their inclusion of information on religion, and then evaluated for the objectivity of their treatment of the subject. Results showed no systematic presentation of the subject and increasingly neutral references to religion. (AM)

The cloze procedure has been used by educators for over 25 years to measure readability of materials and reading comprehension. Yet, the technique is not mentioned in educational measurement textbooks. Some possible reasons for this situation are examined. (Author/RL)

Describes a study examing 34 introductory psychological statistics texts for their usage and definitions of the terms "random sample" and "simple random sampling." Results showed a high percentage of conceptual errors. (CK)

This study examined 41 Hindi or English language instruction textbooks widely used in Indian high school/higher secondary or preuniversity instruction. Frequency of male and female characters, their images, and their occupations were tabulated. Results indicate that Indian textbooks still present a stereotyped view of dominant males and…

Over 95 percent of 24 of the most widely used teacher education textbooks devote less than one percent of book space to the issue of sexism. (Author/IRT)

The author analyzes censorship as used against books which do not present all points of view--political, religious, sexual, etc., and suggests that no book could possibly be so comprehensive as to present all viewpoints. The answer, he claims, is a curriculum which helps students to think for themselves. (KC)

Provides a brief historical report on pedagogical efforts to improve the integration of migrants and their families into German society. Examines the way in which the migrants' social situation has been dealt with in textbooks, particularly in books on politics, history, geography, and occupational education. (PA)

The myth that research should have practicality as its principal aim was attacked by F. N. Kerlinger in many of his publications. However, a review of current educational research textbooks suggests that the field of education is still focused more on applied than on basic research. (SLD)

Examined descriptions of North Africa (particularly Tunisia) found in U.S. high school social studies textbooks, noting the resulting perceptions and images these descriptions created in the minds of teachers and students. Data from examination of textbooks and interviews with teachers indicated that few high school students were exposed to images…

This study examined the bahavioral science support for a set of 20 food-buying principles. Three types of principles are found; they differ in the consumer behaviors they recommend and in the nature and strength of support they receive in the behavioral science literature. (Author/JOW)

Reviews the Prentice Hall Literature Series, focusing on: (1) the series' authors and editors; (2) textbook content; and (3) pedagogy suggested in the teacher's guide. (MM)

Although schoolchildren daily move veritable mountains of textbooks, these heavy tomes may not be worth the effort. The modern text is particularly damaging to TV-inundated students who know little of the rewards and pleasures of reading. Soft-cover books printed in black and white and authored by professional writers would be more cost effective…