Examines the varying types and levels of coherence and cohesion in the language of social studies textbooks written for students in grades three, five, and eight. Concludes that there were no differences among the grade level texts in terms of global cohesion or cohesive elements. (FL)

Reviews the "Holt Elementary Science Series," favorably describing the format of the materials while identifying weaknesses and inconsistencies in illustrations, content, and vocabulary development. Presents a positive review of "Discovery Activities for Elementary Science" which provides a variety of environmental, physical, and life sciences…

An investigation of sex role stereotypes appearing in primers used in Mexico found males depicted as active, intelligent, strong, and in command, and females shown as suitable only for doing housework, providing emotional support, aiding the elderly, and observing active males. (FL)

Argues that the success of a language course is determined by the teaching method, rather than by instructional materials. Accordingly, suggests a variety of strategies for the notional functional exploitation of traditional texts, and outlines classroom activities apt to encourage communicative competence. (MES)

Relates the political conservatism of the 1980s to censorship of textbooks, classroom activities, and library materials. Information is presented on landmark court decisions, divisions between various interpretations, and likely future developments. (DB)

Discusses the deficiencies of presenting the theme of energy in the current West German school textbooks. The article emphasizes the structural importance of entropy for the understanding of energy and suggests how the physics teacher can contribute to the development of an appropriate attitude toward the energy crisis. (HM)

A review of 29 current high school family studies texts reveals that almost a third evidence a pronatalist bias. Results indicate these texts are of questionable value to teachers who want to encourage independent thinking about parenthood. Only three texts were commended for unbiased approaches. (Author/JAC)

Discusses and presents data from an examination of coverage and treatment of Native Americans in 20 secondary United States history textbooks published in the 1970s. Findings indicate that publishers are moving away from the more established historical interpretations of U.S. history and including content which promotes multiethnic education. (DB)

Presents a brief history of international textbook revision since the early twentieth century and discusses Germany's role in these revisions and in setting international textbook standards. Emphasis placed on the political factors which influenced relations between Germany and various other nations and which, therefore, influenced textbook…

A framework to be used in text selection is set out as a series of questions, divided into five broad groups. The author uses the framework to analyze four texts. (MK)

Authors of "The Irony of Democracy" react to a critique of their book. The critique claims the college level political science text exposes the flaws of democracy, but fails to explain how the system can be reformed. The authors believe a textbook does not have to be a catalyst for change. (Author/RM)

Discusses Australian approaches to critical literacy. The editorial notes that conditions in Australia for curriculum development and implementation are in transition, with different approaches and priorities advanced in the second half of the 90s. Suggests that to teach critical literacy is to help students identify how the ways of focusing on…

Suggests an approach to the analysis of mathematical texts that makes use of linguistic theory to provide insights into how the language of a text may influence the ways in which readers make sense of it. Focuses on the ways in which teacher-readers may make sense of texts produced by students. Contains 33 references. (DDR)

Presents a study that reviewed introductory psychology textbooks to examine the perception of extensive similarity. Focuses on six dimensions: (1) chapter topics, organization, and extent of topic coverage; (2) core concepts and key terms; (3) pedagogical aids and data graphs; (4) critical-thinking programs; (5) reference citations; and (6) level…

Discusses Question networks as a strategy to assist students in understanding cause and effect text structures in their social studies textbooks. Describes the strategy in detail and offers a procedure for using it. Includes an example of how middle school students can create a Question network. (CMK)