This examination of textbooks shows the very wide range of approaches adopted. Aims, content, and methods of presentation are compared. The uses of questions in the books are examined in detail. The characteristics of the books are related to the variety of approaches to the teaching of biology in schools. (Author/MA)

Aspects of textbooks' readability are discussed and some recommendations are made. The results of applying three readability tests to 13 current textbooks are presented. (Author/BB)

Deals with the practical assessment of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Great Britain with regard to the requirements set forth in biology syllabi. Addresses the requirements of the British National Criteria for assessment of experimental skills, the assessment framework, and the principle of positive achievement. (TW)

Investigated background of Advanced Level Biology teachers, examining their teaching situations, views of the nature of science, and aims for Advanced Level teaching. Among the findings reported are those indicating little concern to foster a deeper appreciation of scientific processes and concern with low-level rather than higher-order cognitive…

Aspects of practical assessment such as question design and management of the assessment are discussed. Reference is made to some of the problems and to the possibilities for innovation as a result of implementing practical assessment of the kind required by the General Certificate of Secondary Education examining groups. (CW)

Some aspects of the selection and teaching of options of the Joint Matriculation Board's Advanced Level Biology syllabus were investigated by means of a questionnaire. The teachers' opinions of the options and their aims in teaching them are considered. Options seem to be regarded favorably by most of the teachers. (Author/JN)

This survey of 11 recently published biology textbooks includes an analysis of content, certain general characteristics, readability, and use of questions. Differences between these and earlier textbooks are noted. The reading difficulty of the new books is found to be less than for those covered in a previous survey. (Author/JN)