Using the text "Fog May Spoil the Show," from the teaching text "How Do You Do," Stages 4 and 5, a strictly language analysis (rather than a literary, cultural or text analysis) is demonstrated. But structure and type of text and area study are also considered. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

A three-volume series of French language textbooks designed for children is found to be well-designed and well-presented. The quality of the series is judged according to these criteria: presentation of grammar, phonetics, theme, points of interest, characters, setting, photos, as well as the quality of the paper on which the text is printed. (MSE)

Argues that literary criticism, in the guise of genre theory, can illuminate a consideration of textbook language by (1) classifying texts based on form, (2) indicating the relation of that form to reader expectations and reader/author "shared past experiences," (3) determining communicable purpose and meanings, and (4) constraining…

Recent Tennessee and Alabama court decisions raise similar issues involving (1) fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment and (2) the process of public education. Outlines the effects these decisions have on teachers and in classrooms. The supporters would suppress critical thinking and imagination while opponents would promote critical…

This article examines the topic of racism in textbooks by reviewing the content of a geography textbook popular in the United Kingdom and Australia. Concludes that the problem of racism in textbooks is pervasive and in violation of United Nations standards for antiracist instruction. (JDH)

Contends that J. L. Austin's speech act theory can supplement classical rhetoric because it conserves the essentials of a rhetorical vision of language, defends that rhetorical view against the traditional attacks on it, yet is also free of several aspects of classical rhetoric that are now outmoded. (SKC)

A law school teacher describes her response to the incorrect and insensitive treatment of rape in a criminal law textbook, including analysis and criticism of the text's content and communication with the publisher about it. (MSE)

Advocates the supplemental use of trade books with textbooks in introductory economics courses. States that students will learn how economists approach economic issues in the real world, building upon the organized textbook presentation of material. Acknowledging that textbooks are essential to instruction, Hansen lists several appropriate works…

Provides information that can help educators meet challenges to instructional materials, looks at who the challengers are, discusses the nature of censorship, and suggests ways to handle challenges. (NKA)

Asserts that current business communication theory and practice make new inroads into reader analysis difficult. Discusses four pedagogical problems in reader analysis, including confusion over critical terminology, and poor heuristics for assessing readers. Explores readers' perceptual sets as a way of more accurately modeling the dynamics of the…

Discusses the process of state textbook adoption and how this process influences the subject matter that will prevail throughout the country. Elaborates on the Texas textbook adoption system as an example of a statewide selection procedure. (GEA)

Presents a study which examined elementary science textbooks (grades four and six), noting (1) text organization and structure; and (2) the degree of problem solving required in chapter activities (according to Bloom's taxonomy). Reports a need for a more varied use of text structures and the inclusion of activities that utilize higher-level…

The need for developing a geometry curriculum sequence is discussed. Work by a group of about 50 mathematics educators on intuitive aspects of Euclidean classifications and relations is presented. Textbooks were analyzed, a sequence of concept clusters developed, and a scope-and-sequence chart included. (MNS)

Educational research textbooks often portray online computer searching as available only from distant database producers, or as something students can do for themselves without assistance from a reference librarian/search intermediary. User education may be needed in this area to correct users' misconceptions. (Author/EM)

In this study, third- and fourth-grade pupils were tested to see if they could consistently distinguish between measurement and partition division word problems and to observe their patterns of preference. Both before and after instruction, significant proportions of the students could distinguish the two division situations. (MNS)