Ninety-three secondary school biology textbooks, identified in the appendix bibliography, were analyzed to determine the extent of emphasis of 44 topics concerned with the study of evolution. (HM)

The "National Standards for History in Schools" is nearly racist in its categories in that it concentrates on group identity and the individual nearly becomes a prisoner of ethnic identity. It suffers from the illusion that all historical phenomena deserve equal treatment. (SLD)

Examines aspects of the introductory psychology textbook market through a publishing house survey. Aspects covered are the current and future number of introductory texts, fewer textbook publishers, custom publishing, changing content, and computer technologies. Discusses the results of the publishers' responses and provides statistical tables of…

Maintains that all too often learning activities in K-3 social studies textbooks exhibit a tendency towards "busywork" and lack any real educational objective. Lists several of these activities and includes corrective measures that render them more productive. Includes a table of guidelines for teachers using social studies textbooks.…

Six articles on the curriculum history in Scandinavian countries are presented. Topics discussed include the role of patriotism in Norwegian history textbooks, pedagogic text analysis, mathematical curriculum development, social influences on school subjects, and the history of English as a subject in Norwegian curricula. (TJH)

Examines whether elementary textbooks enhance a socially active mathematics education program. Reports that young females and minorities are adequately portrayed in five mathematics textbook series; representation of careers, however, is less than adequate. Sixteen references are listed. (YP)

Discusses the California History-Social Science Framework (1988), in which history is at the center of the social sciences. Traces the sequencing of history courses from the elementary grades through high school, highlighting the interplay between world and United States history which provides a global context for learning. Examines the…

Reviews the problem of certain logical and conceptual shortcomings in textbook presentations of the energy concepts in introductory physics. Discusses concepts and principles related to thermodynamics and echanics. Provides many formulas and diagrams. (YP)

Explores the world of textbook preparation, focusing on the revision of "A History of the United States" by Daniel Boorstin and Brooks Kelley. Describes the process of revising each paragraph in a selected section of the book. Surveys the concerns of teachers regarding textbooks and the interests of the students who use them. (GEA)

Examines narrative and expository text from four basal reader series for the occurrence of anaphora. Finds an abundance of anaphora in both. Notes that beginning and developing readers have difficulty in resolving them, and that instructional strategies are needed to help teachers and students deal with this element of cohesion. (RS/JAD)

The impact of different elementary school curricula (grades three and six) on standardized achievement test scores at item and objective levels, and differences across curricula in generation of item factor loadings were studied. Specific and generally small differences in textbooks within a district were not significant. (TJH)

The majority of environmental information is presented in factual, expository text format. Examines problems with traditional formats when interest or incentives are not strong. Discusses ways to make text providing environmental information to citizens or students more interesting, meaningful, and memorable. (LZ)

The U.S. research on cognition that has set a framework for educational practice is discussed; attention is given to trends in the design of instructional innovation. Research considered includes analyses of textbook structure, content, and problem exercises, teacher explanations, and structured classroom interactions. (SLD)

Analyzes revisions in Chinese historiographical treatment of world history since 1949, stressing the dominance of Marxist/Maoist ideology, political isolation, and Chinese nationalism. Shows evidence of these influences in high school textbooks. Examines the Cultural Revolution's impact on historiography. Sees current liberalization producing a…

Analyzes society and social ideals portrayed in 94 elementary-level textbooks in British Columbia. Identifies prominent themes under four headings: technology and consumerism; the personal world of children; what it means to be Canadian; and morality and religion. Concludes that authors encourage conformity rather than transformation of society.…