A lively classroom activity is described in which high school students, each receiving a word-card, generate their own sentences in German by combining their own word with the previous student's word. The cards, with words taken from the textbook vocabulary, encourage active, spontaneous utterances within the structure and logical sequence of the…

Suggests that more attention be paid by biochemistry textbook authors to the breadth of contemporary learning strategies, given the fact that an increasing number of medical schools have adopted an integrated, self-paced, problem-based curriculum. Discusses the theoretical characteristics desirable in the ideal biochemistry textbook. (JJK)

Describes an examination of underlying themes presented in introductory sociology textbooks published between 1975 and 1989. Concludes that the books (1) portray society as overstructured and impersonal; (2) overinterpret society in ideologically liberal ways; and (3) overrepresent sociological knowledge as the "highest knowledge" about society.…

It is shown that many students' errors in second-language learning are based on conclusions that they are drawing from faulty and incomplete information in textbooks, whereas other "errors" are the result of normal language learning strategies and occur in systematic patterns. (LB)

Describes the collaborative process (involving authors, product managers, reviewers, students, and publication department) of the development of a first-year composition textbook that works to integrate word processing with the teaching of writing. Notes factors contributing to successful collaboration. (SR)

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…

Fourth and sixth graders were engaged in the process of textbook selection in an effort to increase the understanding of student experiences with materials that have a substantial influence on curriculum and instruction. Results indicate that children do not, as a group, share a comprehensive point of view about basal readers. (SH)

A survey of secondary mathematics teachers' (n=28) preferences in textbook characteristics and uses indicates that characteristics related to student usability outside of the classroom are important. The most important textbook use was for student exercises in class and for homework. (16 references) (MDH)

Surveys textbooks to examine how the deposing of the monarchy in Hawaii is treated. Suggests that teachers present three questions: (1) was the United States responsible for the overthrow of the monarchy; (2) how was the overthrow treated in textbooks; and (3) is it correct for the United States to deny responsibility? Argues that textbooks…

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…

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…

Contends that the standard description of the relationship between the long-run marginal cost curve and the short-run marginal cost curve is often misleading and imprecise. Asserts that a sampling of college-level textbooks confirms this confusion. Provides a definition and instructional strategy that can be used to promote student understanding…

Explores changes in the introductory psychology textbook market through an analysis of edition, author, length, and content coverage of the volumes that comprise the current market. Finds a higher edition average, a decrease in the number of authors, an increase in text pages, and a focus on developmental psychology and sensation/perception. (CMK)

This study examined representation of francophone regions other than France in readings and activities in French second-language textbooks published since 1995. The model of representation used shows the richness and variety of the cultures, contains no inaccurate information, and gives a realistic portrayal devoid of colonialistic and…