Argues that the use of specific grammar texts, along with the books themselves, has remained essentially unchanged for over 200 years. Examines how grammar texts were established and used historically. Claims that pedagogical uses of grammar textbooks mirrors instructors' perceptions of their students. (HB)

Considers the recent flood of anthologies of literary criticism and theory as exemplifications of the confluence of pedagogical concerns, economics of publishing, and other historical factors. Looks specifically at how these anthologies present theory. Cites problems with their formatting theory and proposes alternative ways of organizing theory…

Textbook treatments of Hiroshima bombing inadequately convey this event's horrors and complexities. Many adults and children are desensitized to war's horrors by media's depersonalized language, i.e., using "collateral damage" to describe Desert Storm civilian casualties. Educators should seek alternative resources, such as Toshi…

Reviews three geometry textbooks in order to examine both the quantity and content of algebra review. Concludes that although the books incorporate a great deal of algebra, much of it is noncontextual review. (ASK)

Discusses the scant coverage in high school textbooks of countercurrent exchange for the efficient movement of molecules across biological membranes. Argues that this is one of the most intriguing of the physiological adaptive mechanisms. (DDR)

Focuses on many alternative conceptions and nonconceptions about material related to equilibrium and thermodynamics. Uses interviews and compares the concepts from these with those expressed by experts in textbooks. (DDR)

Investigated how 11 9th-grade Portuguese physics textbooks dealt with heat and temperature and whether they were adequate information sources for students. Examination of ideas (which included correctness of concepts and arguments, global teaching approach, and learning activities) indicated that most of the textbooks were not consistent with…

Explores how reliability and validity of assessment results should be conceived and covered in teacher education. Discusses each of the standards for teacher competence in assessment developed by the American Federation of Teachers in conjunction with other groups. Reviews coverage of these topics in frequently used textbooks. (SLD)

Argues that Ernst Haeckel's drawings of vertebrate embryos (1891), which have been widely used in biology textbooks to illustrate his "Biogenetic Law", are factually flawed. Discusses the problems with Haeckel's drawings and his theory. Contains 14 references. (WRM)

Investigated the portrayal of gender characteristics in elementary school textbooks, particularly masculine and feminine stereotypes, examining first, third, and fifth grade literature textbooks using an evaluative instrument based on the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Despite publisher's guidelines and Title IX, males are still portrayed primarily in a…

Content analysis of five consumer education workbooks used in adult literacy classes examined depictions of the market and literacy learners as consumers. A hidden curriculum that promotes ideologies disrespectful of learners was discerned. The ideologies maintain inequalities by blaming financial failure on consumers, ignoring the larger social,…

Presents a case study, which attends closely to the 1941, 1946 version of the "Harbrace College Handbook" (HCH) and reads its exercises through a Foucauldian lens. Suggests that the exercises contained within the HCH discipline not only the student as writer, but also the student as thinker. (SC)

Recent reports criticize today's glitzy, coffee-table textbooks as shallow, dumbed-down products that waste taxpayers' money and students' learning potential. Districts should encourage more textbook research, clarify expectations, have someone read texts under consideration, refuse to purchase inferior textbooks, and watch for online…

Interviews 10 experienced science teachers about their understandings of the analogical models they use to explain science to their students. Investigates the notion that teaching pedagogy is influenced by the textbooks commonly used in class. Textbook analysis shows that chemistry textbooks used the most models and physics textbooks the least…

Presents the "Structured Reading Lesson" as one simple way to structure reading activities so that the before, during, and after phases of the reading experience are all touched upon. Considers how reading strategies that students have developed to comprehend fictional narratives do not always help them with textbooks. Presents…