Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

4-22-1974

Abstract

The basic approach of this study was the consideration of printed material as one of the independent variables that plays a role in the school learning situation. Its basic purpose was to analyze the content of history textbooks currently used in the fourth grade of Colombian secondary schools. As a part of the content of this study the objectives of the evaluative material included in those books were also analyzed.

The formulation of the hypotheses referred to the scope and sequence of the content and the level of the objectives. In order to test the hypotheses, two instruments were developed which were applied to all the paragraphs of the books, that is, a global study.

The findings seem to confirm most of the hypotheses presented. In fact, the general profile obtained did not differ fundamentally from that obtained from any one of the textbooks, which means that common patterns were detected.

The content of the books studied tends to emphasize political topics more than economic and social ones; military history instead of scientific and cultural history.

The geographical and ecological aspects were afforded less attention. On the other hand, the subject of historical studies in these books referred to the individuals or groups -political, religious and military-rather than broader levels, such as municipal, state, national or international communities.

Neither research methods nor critical issues were exposed through the content of the history textbooks. And finally, the evaluative material, with only one exception, tends toward evaluation of the knowledge of specific facts rather than the development of intellectual skills.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

Spanish

Degree Name

Secondary Education

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Robert John Doxtator

Second Committee Member

Robert Denton Kline

Third Committee Member

Leopoldo J. Macias

Fourth Committee Member

Dolores Gonzales

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