A causal-comparative, mixed methods design was used to study a partnership between a university and school district formed with the goal of improving history teachers' United States history content knowledge to raise student engagement and achievement. Data were collected from middle and high school history teachers including teacher interviews,…

This study examined the portrayal of African Americans and Latinos over a twelve-year time period (1997-2008) at National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual meetings. NCSS was selected because it is the largest organization responsible for social studies education in America's schools. Like U.S. history textbooks, the authors assumed…

Through an examination of one undergraduate American history course at a large university in the southeastern United States via interview, observation and content analysis, we attempted to discern if the pedagogical methodology was relating to the students in such a way as to foster students' ability to construct meaning beyond simply…

We report on an action research study undertaken to explore how integrating the Arts in social studies education can increase student participation and motivation, and impact student achievement through that increased motivation and participation. Initial lesson plans addressed multiple intelligences while integrating Arts activities and were…

Discusses a study to compare effects of two teaching techniques (lecture-discussion and performance-based) on attitude and knowledge level of students in two 11th grade American history classes. Findings indicate that a combination of the two methods of instruction is the best approach to teaching. (Author/DB)

According to this study, there was no statistically significant difference in the achievement of groups of students who discussed U.S. history material on a low cognitive level, who discussed the material on a high cognitive level, or who did not discuss the material at all. (Author/RM)

Phrases of uncertainty used by social studies teachers in high school history courses negatively influenced achievement for students of all ability levels. A link was found to exist between frequency of teacher uncertainty phrases and student perception of the teacher as a knowledgeable authority on the topics covered. (Author/RM)

Secondary students who read an economics lesson silently scored significantly higher than students who received an oral presentation of the lesson. A significant interaction between lesson organization and student ability level indicated that highly organized economics lessons increase student learning under certain ability level conditions.…

One part of the Merrill and Tennyson model for concept teaching consists of expository presentations of the concept arranged from easy to difficult. This study showed that the presentation order, i.e., the order of difficulty, does not significantly affect student achievement. (Author/RM)

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)

Describes a study which investigated whether differences in teacher verbal interactions with students are a function of achievement expectations and sex differences. Ten fourth grade social studies teachers and 120 students were observed using the Brophy-Good dyadic observation system. Results indicated that achievement expectations, but not sex,…

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)

Questions the extent to which students' ability to read a textbook related to performance on teacher-made achievement tests of a textbook's content. Findings indicated that the ability to read was unrelated to performance on a teacher-made achievement test. Speculations on explanations are included. (Author/DB)

Discusses a study of the effects of music listening upon student achievement. Reports that seventh grade students listened to music while independently studying the earth-sun relationship. Concludes that there were no significant achievement differences among students who learned while listening to rock, classical, easy listening, or no music. (SG)

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…