Examines three recent elementary school level language arts textbook programs to determine the frequency of writing activities, the nature of writing tasks, and the frequency of process-approach activities such as selecting topics, prewriting, sharing, revising, and publishing. Finds that process activities were seldom recommended. (SKC)

While foreign language textbooks have improved in recent years, the standard grammatical base remains unchanged. Instead of the usual morphologically-based syllabus, a semantico-grammatical one is suggested in which the categories, relating meaning and form, make it possible to teach language structure in a coherent and communicatively relevant…

Indicates the inadequacies and limitations of traditionally written elementary science textbooks. Offers suggestions and provides examples for teaching more accurately and experientially the nature and process of science. Identifies several sources for enrichment of the textbook. (ML)

A study of eight basal reading series was conducted to determine how Native American characters are portrayed in basal readers and how much realism is in recently published stories. Native Americans were not presented in first grade stories. Fifth grade stories were realistic and well written. (JHZ)

Discusses the inadequate and often inaccurate treatment of native Americans in U.S. history courses and textbooks. Examines the impact of the Indians on such aspects of U.S. culture as language, clothing, recreation, medicine, government, and literature. Includes a suggested classroom project for acquainting students with Indians and other…

Compares priorities of language functions (1) between community college and university studnets; (2) between students enrolled in traditional language courses and those in conversational language courses; and (3) among students in first-term French, German, and Spanish at a community college. Results are presented in six tables. (Author/LMO)

Reports on the findings of an examination of 32 linear algebra textbooks. The examination, to determine existing approaches to teaching the topics, was in preparation for developing a linear algebra program for high school students. (PK)

Examines the various connections that four (English as a second language) grammar books posit between the English language and Indian society and the extent to which the books reflect English as a mode of communication which expresses Indians' consciousness of themselves as citizens of an independent country. (Author/CB)

Reaction of educators to court decision in "Mozert v. Hawkins County" should be tempered with common sense and flexibility. In his research on basal readers and textbooks, Paul Vitz found a distorted presentation of family life, neglect of the role of religion in contemporary American life, and neglect of patriotism, business, labor, and…

Argues that while many publishers may simplify the sentence structure in the basal reader to facilitate the process of learning to read, this practice may result in texts with stylistic features and text formats that are unnatural and uncharacteristic of written English or the language development level of the children. (FL)

An analysis of elementary social studies textbook series showed that the images presented in the texts do not equate with the reality that most Australians experience. A more realistic approach to teaching about Australia would be to examine the lifestyles of urban Australians. Possible ways of doing this are discussed. (RM)

Reports results of a survey on textbook adoption procedures, examining if and how often a procedure is used, whether select local districts from a list, and whether the list covers grade K-12. Also reports results of state science supervisors' (N=26) attitudes about textbook adoption procedures. (JM)

Analyzes audio- and videotapes of actual employment interviews conducted at a university placement center to determine (1) relationships among interviewers' verbal behaviors such as silence, interruptions, probing questions, etc.; (2) applicants' perceptions of their interviewers as empathic listeners; and (3) interview outcomes in terms of second…

Reports on a study that examined the manuals of sixth-grade basal readers to determine whether the suggested poetry teaching procedures reflected the pedagogical procedures recommended by expert opinion, concluding that they did not. (HOD)

Describes and examines the word choice and frequency in six tests and raises questions about the use of word lists and controlled vocabulary in producing basal readers, judging and manipulating readability of texts, and building vocabulary. (HOD)