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…

Current pressure on education programs is leading to increased evaluation of course requirements. Alignment with national and state standards and demands for greater accountability are being reflected in teacher certification requirements and graduation proficiencies. There is a great deal of literature that identifies the need and value of…

Increasing numbers of students with disabilities receive a majority of their formal education in general education settings where they must be taught the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead fully equitable and participatory lives in a democratic society. Given the need for all students to acquire civic understanding, the purpose of…

Two high school American history classes were involved in a study which examined the effect of (1) method of instruction and (2) gender of student on knowledge about and attitude toward course work. Journal available from Department of Social Science Education, 104 Dudley Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602. (AV)

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)

Discusses a survey to investigate discrepancies between high school social studies teachers' knowledge of and attitudes toward test item-types such as true-false, multiple-choice, and essay. Findings indicate that teacher perceptions of the relationship between item-type and cognitive skill assessed are incongruent with the perceptions of authors…

Comparison of pre-service social studies teachers in field and non-field based methods courses indicated no significant differences with regard to teaching skills, attitudes, or behaviors teachers should exhibit in the classroom. (Author/DB)

Original survey data dealing with the attitudes about international relations of secondary students in the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, area are analyzed. Student opinions were measured in three areas: (1) international interest, knowledge, and information sources; (2) international conflict and the balance of power; and (3) international…

As a result of participating in an American government course, 12th graders showed a marked improvement in citizenship knowledge and in their opinions toward political institutions and participation. These changes seem to be related to several factors, including teaching methods such as class discussion and simulation, and the use of newspapers.…

Describes a study which measured the social studies content knowledge of preservice elementary education majors. One hundred twenty-eight elementary social studies methods preservice education majors completed the social studies portion of the General Education Development Test. Results showed weaknesses in student knowledge of political science,…

Describes a study which compared the knowledge of and attitudes toward energy of American and Japanese secondary students. Two hundred and six Japanese and 503 American students completed questionnaires. (AM)

Japanese secondary students answered the questionnaire's factual energy questions more accurately and regarded the energy issue as being more serious than American high school students. The journal is available from the Department of Social Science Education, University of Georgia, 104 Dudley Hall, Athens, GA 30602. (RM)

The research investigated the extent to which social studies methods instructors had knowledge of and used "New Social Studies." Results show that methods instructors had little knowledge of the "New Social Studies" materials and rarely used these materials in their teaching. (Author/RM)

Summarizes a study in which 83 social studies educators in Virginia were given a 45-item questionnaire to determine differences as to the purpose, method, and content of social studies education. Results indicated general confusion among social studies educators regarding these issues. Implications of these findings are discussed. (Author/DB)