The purpose of this study was to analyze the intended allocation of social studies time based on written timetables provided by elementary classroom teachers to students completing practicum requirements in a teacher education program. The timetables specify how time is prioritized for academic learning time as well as non-academic activities. The…

In the field of history education, researchers and practitioners frequently demonstrate a keen interest in historical empathy. However, very little consensus exists concerning the meaning of the term. In an effort to make sense of the continuing debate, this article explores the competing conceptualizations of historical empathy found in the…

Reviews literature, published between 1930 and 1985, concerning the general content of social studies textbooks for grades 1-4. Notes that scholars, legislators, publishers, and authors have tended to criticize different aspects of these textbooks but that surprisingly few reviewers have criticized their trivial content. (GEA)

Social studies educators are encouraged to investigate propositions that have been extracted from anthropological literature in order to determine their value in shedding new light on learning and teaching. For example, anthropologists believe that learning and teaching are processes associated with cultural transmission and that social…

This article discusses a study undertaken to evaluate self-instructional teacher training materials used at an inservice teacher workshop for mastery teaching. Finds from a survey of the 17 participating teachers indicated they valued many elements of the strategy and that they would adopt parts of the mastery teaching strategy for use in their…

Evaluates 10 new elementary social studies methods texts in 10 areas: topicality, "basics" affect, balance of theory and pragmatic ideas, new social studies ideas, realism, special groups, action learning, broad scale evaluation, and usefulness in service. Three texts are recommended. (AM)

A study of 182 in-service teachers hypothesized a strong relationship between teachers' feelings about themselves and teaching, and their perceived responsibility for student achievement. Findings supported the hypothesis. (AM)

This review of research literature on social studies methods from 1921-1978 includes a discussion of philosophic trends, course content, cultural perspectives, teaching styles, and research measures. The author proposes a new theoretical framework for analyzing social studies methods. (AM)

This study focused on the development of policy thought, or abstract thinking about policy issues. Political thought may be described as concrete thinking about political phenomena. It includes one's knowledge of and attitude toward objects, people, and events in the political sphere. Policy thought entails the abstract manner in which one…

The article discusses a study undertaken to evaluate the impact of selected innovative social studies curriculum project materials with regard to three variables--extent of classroom use, user liking, and effectiveness in promoting learning compared to traditional programs. Findings indicated that recent social studies materials have had a…

Discusses a study undertaken to measure the extent to which student teachers used inquiry strategies which had been emphasized in their teacher education program. Discusses results of the study and poses four hypotheses concerned with why teachers who have mastered inquiry skills do not use those skills. (DB)

Deals with a survey undertaken among 16 higher education institutions in Arkansas. Findings indicated that over 50 percent of Arkansas social studies teachers received their initial certification in another field, 25 percent took no social studies methods courses, and more than 50 percent of social studies instructors expressed dissatisfaction…

Discusses three areas within the social studies upon which additional research is needed: 1) the history of social studies, 2) examining the relationship of 'pupiling' to teaching, and 3) individualized curriculum materials. (DB)

Identifies areas within the social studies in which additional research is needed. Major areas identified are open classroom settings, inquiry and problems strategies, and values education. (DB)

Suggests that there is need to study scope and sequence in social education and poses questions that need to be asked about the purpose and objectives of social studies education. Information is also presented on the Delphi method for seeking consensus. (DB)