Discusses the standards described in the U.S. book "National Standards for World History." Summarizes the book's content and gives examples of specific topics for different grade levels. Believes that world history teachers in Canada should read this book even though it excludes information on the South Pacific, Australia, and Canada. (CMK)

Argues that attempts to incorporate critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction have been negligible. Outlines a framework for effectively helping students to become better thinkers that utilizes a model from the Critical Thinking Cooperative. The model considers such pedagogical factors as background knowledge, habits of mind, and…

Examines the Organization of American Historians' (OAH) "Magazine of History," a specialized journal devoted to the teaching of history. Praises the magazine's interesting, colorful, and accessible treatment of historical subjects, methods, and controversies. Summarizes several innovative articles from recent theme issues. (MJP)

Considers the ubiquitous use of textbooks in social studies classrooms and recommends constructing critical-thinking exercises revealing textual bias. Suggested exercises concern issues of emotional or ambiguous language, geographic and cultural inclusion/exclusion, and accuracy of data. Includes several examples of critical-thinking activities.…

Reviews social studies journals published by associations in the Canadian provinces. Discusses three journals: "Perspectives,""One World," and "Horizon." Suggests learning activities contained in some of the articles. Describes articles of interest about teaching methods, specific areas of history, critical thinking, and educational policy. (DK)

Reviews articles printed in six issues of the professional journal, "The Social Studies," published in 1992. Discusses recurring themes such as the New Social Studies movement, economics education, and children's literature. Maintains that the journal reflects the diversity of the social studies field. (CFR)