Addiss and Erickson's book should be useful to any art educator, whereas the work by Hooper-Greenhill should be useful to museum educators in any discipline. Both books work well as introductory texts or refresher courses, and the usefulness of each is enhanced through reference to the other. (SLD)

Maintains that philosophy has become an integral part of geography education at the university level. Considers the value of textbooks in teaching and learning about philosophy in geography. Reviews textbook treatment of the topic and provides a list of 25 textbooks that explore geographic philosophy. (CFR)

Describes content of 50 introductory sociology textbooks in their coverage of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. Reports that, although by 1987 HIV was covered in 26 texts, many aspects were neglected. Concludes teachers should concentrate on slighted areas including the difference between…

Discussed is the status of textbooks in science instruction. Described are ways in which teachers can use the textbook more effectively. A multilevel approach to science textbooks is described. A list of easy-reading science textbooks for earth, general, and physical science is included. (KR)

This article describes problems with content area textbooks, outlines difficulties for mainstreamed students with learning disabilities, and reviews ways to improve the content organization and instructional strategies of content area texts using examples from a U.S. history text. Strategies include a problem-solution-effect text structure,…

Presents examples and reflections hinting at the role of formal thought in the process of knowledge growth. Discusses proof, language, and mathematics; knowledge as form versus development; the difference between concept and object; how mathematical texts can be improved; and geometry and the idea of diagrammatic reasoning. (Contains 36…

Surveys U.S. historiography dealing with Christopher Columbus from the eighteenth century to the present. Traces the changes in interpretation, treating Columbus as a hero, a victim, a visionary, a genius, and a mariner. Discusses past textbook treatments of Columbus and the portrayal of minorities in descriptions of his expeditions. (DK)

The role of the Pacific Islanders' Educational Resource Centre (New Zealand) in developing a listening activities resource kit is described. The objectives were for cultural relevance to Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asians learning English, suitability for cultures with strong oral traditions, economy and accessibility, and simplicity of use…

In an analysis of two American and two British texts, ethnographic studies of teachers are compared. The comparison reveals how different the approaches are, although both sets of texts use ethnographic methods, and how the role of the teacher is understood in contrasting ways in the two bodies of research. (IAH)

Argues that the correct use of positive and negative signs in textbooks is often ignored and that this misuse might be because the authors are unaware of some basic rules. (DDR)

The precipitous decline of U.S. students' scores on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) from 4th to 12th grade, compared with other nations, may be attributed to curriculum differences, not demography. The U.S. middle-school curriculum lacks focus and rigor and is highly repetitive. (MLH)

Examines multicultural and introductory special-education textbooks to assess how each set of texts treats the other's issues. Analyzes conversations with teacher-education leaders addressing how their programs treat both issues. Conflating diversity concerns with traditional conceptions of disability is highly problematic. Explores progressive…

Explores how ideas of political economy shaped the culture of U.S. high schools in the nineteenth century and discusses reasons for the creation of high schools. Stresses the role that textbooks and the high school curriculum played in disseminating the economic, political, and social values of the time to students. (CMK)

Attempts to facilitate the text selection process for introductory psychology teachers by enabling them to match the level of the text with their students' ability level. Examines 37 introductory psychology textbooks published from 1995-1997 to determine text levels (high, middle, or lower level). Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)

Examines the evolution of Spanish textbooks qualitatively using computerized pedagogical data. Results show distinct generational text style trends from 1860 to 1998 which chronicle a common engine of change and conflict in standardization movements and the production of generational text styles. Summarizes 20th-century textbook generations and…