Discusses the results of several studies which evaluated how Africa was and is presented in elementary and secondary social studies textbooks. In the past five years, the coverage given to Africa has increased in quantity and quality. However, major new problems have arisen. (RM)

Identifies recent research findings in disciplines related to business communication, such as reading instruction, composition research, linguistics, and educational psychology. Analyzes subject matter of seven leading business communication texts. Suggests that business communication courses and textbooks incorporate the results of research from…

Examined 48 textbooks used in business communication courses. Found that speech and business students are being taught basically the same skills, that the trend toward an oral mode in business communication courses has been only slight, and that little effort to redesign the curriculum with the Hanna study criteria (EJ 207 812) has been shown. (PD)

Contrary to David Olson's claim that authority is conveyed by textbook language, it is mainly the school context of textbooks that establishes their authority--and that of teachers--in students' minds. The curriculum is not in the text but in the social rules reflected by school organization and teachers' authority. (JW)

Although Luke, de Castell, and Luke rightly notice the role of social structure in the authority of the textbook, the pattern of social authority outside the school is primarily reflected in the text itself. The task for writers, then, is to clarify the grounds for their authoritative claims. (JM)

Social studies textbooks of the 1930's frequently accepted the changing times and the new world leadership without criticism. Textbooks downplayed the Depression, took an uncritical approach towards Roosevelt, and showed relative neutrality toward European totalitarianism. Political, social, and cultural reasons for these attitudes are explained.…

The use of illustrations in relation to text characteristics and instructional conditions was studied. Seventh-grade students recalled information from transfer passages of texts varying in their level of dependence on illustrations. Texts and passages were read under four instructional conditions. Results are discussed. (Authors/CJ)

A university professor describes his experiences with publishing companies and editors as he wrote the undergraduate U.S. history survey textbook "These United States." (RM)

Analyzes a sample of recommended children's novels about the Revolutionary War and discusses changes in novel content and structure in relation to the socioeconomic and historical milieu of the society in which they were produced. (HOD)

Futurist Herman Kahn says schools are giving students an unnecessarily grim picture of the future in terms of resource availability, economic improvement, and population growth. He describes his Hudson Institute's "Visions of the Future" program, which aims to provide more up-to-date data and forecasts on future developments. (Author/RW)

Discusses a common error found in organic chemistry textbooks regarding the phenomenon of "conjugate reduction." Provides a table of experimental data involving the reduction of alpha-, beta-unsaturated compounds. An accompanying discussion explains reasons for the lack of correspondence between textbook information and the experimental…

Reports findings from research regarding sex differences in language use and indicates ways that teachers can involve students in examining sex-linked language in textbooks and other reading materials. (FL)

Presents opposing views concerning the effects of the publishing industry on the English curriculum. (JL)

Examines women's role models as described in six textbooks used in French public and Catholic elementary schools from 1880-1940. Women were consistently portrayed in domestic roles, low-status jobs, and rural settings. Research indicated that these descriptions were accurate portrayals of social values and women's limited opportunities in that…

Describes how the traditional, agressive male role has been reinforced by social studies textbooks. The author recommends that teachers teach about new roles for males by presenting images of males in caring, nurturing, and expressive roles. (AM)