A conception of citizen decision making based on participatory democratic theory is most likely to foster effective citizenship. An examination of social studies traditions suggests that reflective thinking as a teaching method is congenial to this conception. Simulation gaming is a potentially powerful instructional strategy for supporting…

Describes a study which compared the effectiveness of two teaching methods--the lecture method and experiential learning aimed at improving college students' topographic map skills. Subjects were 76 University of Georgia undergraduate geography students. (AM)

Reviews research on remedial education. Examines three questions: (1) what is known about effective methods of providing remedial instruction; (2) how can student success and/or failure be accounted for; and (3) what instructional strategies are most effective. (CFR)

Offers tips on what to do and what to avoid when preparing materials for publication. The "Biographical Dictionary of American Educators" serves as a case study. (DB)

Discusses the education of women and minorities in colonial Louisiana. Explains that Ursuline nuns established a school in the region for white, African-American, and Native American girls. Reports that students were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. Reveals that the nuns also cared for orphans, trained French immigrant brides,…

Presents research findings regarding the historical knowledge of fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students and college level elementary education majors. Concludes that students learn the content of U.S. history as they progress through years of schooling. Reports student unfamiliarity with more recent historical events and difficulty in…

Explores the teaching of the social foundations of education at Minnesota's private four-year colleges. Reports that, according to a faculty survey, most of the schools teach social foundations in an introductory, sophomore year course. Concludes that most of the courses focus on current educational issues and downplay educational history,…

Examines the readability of the U.S. Constitution. Reports that, of 117 undergraduate students who read the document, approximately 25 percent had difficulty completing a cloze procedure based upon it. Calls for further research on the high school and college levels. Suggests that the Constitution be presented in learning environments designed to…

Offers conclusions of research examining the U.S. history knowledge of 263 elementary education majors. Reports poor performance for the students. Suggests that the students have a greater understanding of more recent historical events than of earlier U.S. history. Argues that knowledge of history is essential in understanding the world and…

Recounts research regarding elementary education majors' familiarity with world geography. Reports poor performance among 253 students on a geography test designed for use at the high school level. Indicates that the education majors performed best on map reading activities and worst on identification of land forms. Calls for further research. (SG)

Reviews research suggesting poor economic understanding among elementary school students. Presents findings of a study of the economic comprehension of 248 elementary education majors. Reveals that those students share the younger children's unfamiliarity with economics. Argues that improving teachers' economics training will enhance the economic…

Presents findings of an exploration of 258 elementary education majors' knowledge of U.S. government. Reports that students responded correctly to about 53 percent of test items. Indicates that students knew the most about guarantees of liberty and least about governmental powers. Questions the students' ability to teach about the ways the U.S.…

Investigates the relationship between social studies classroom environment and student motivation. Correlates several environmental variables with three motivational constructs (academic motivation, academic self-concept, and social self-concept) among 157 sixth grade, predominantly Hispanic students. Finds student satisfaction significantly…

Examines relationships between an elementary social studies methods course and three student teachers' beliefs and practices. Discovers significant connections between the methods course and student teacher beliefs but finds contextual constraints on implementing planning and instructional practices suggested by the methods course. Argues studies…

Criticizes the prevalence of trivial and noninformative content in two primary grade social studies expanding environment textbook series. Extends earlier study, adding three additional analytical categories to its framework. To teach citizenship effectively, recommends (1) eliminating redundant, superfluous, and text-inappropriate content; (2)…