This study examined the attitudes of high school social studies teachers toward the training they received to teach English language learners (ELLs) in their social studies classrooms. This issue is important because the number of ELLs in American schools increases each year and high school social studies classes are the one place for ELLs to…

In this article the author examines theory, research, and theory into practice literature from the critical/social reconstructionist orientation as it relates to teacher education and classroom practice in social studies education. A critical perspective is explored from several angles including its historical development; its definition; its…

Effective uses of technology in social studies methods courses is an under-researched field. This study focused on the development of WebQuests to engage teacher candidate's exploration of the Internet as an authentic medium for inquiry in social studies education. Analysis of appropriateness of tasks in the WebQuests, depth of ideas and audience…

Field placements in teacher candidate preparation have long been established as significant and formative for learners. Teacher educators attempt to align course goals with fieldwork and then assess candidate progress. This authentic practice has been highly valued for preservice candidates. For educators in the United States, providing an…

A study of how middle and high school American history teachers adopted and maintained the use of research-based instructional practices is described as a model of professional development for social studies teachers. The teachers participated in a three-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Teaching American History grant…

Thus, this study examines two beginning teachers' perceptions of a high-stakes test in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data analysis revealed that the teachers' perceptions towards the test had changed during their first year of teaching. This issue is important because how first-year history teachers perceive and respond to the high stakes tests…

Elementary education teacher candidates identified four criteria they used to identify a "best" lesson plan they had developed and taught for posting to their electronic portfolio. Criteria include a lesson that students: liked, learned from, actively participated in, and were involved in carrying out research. Scoring with rubric focusing on…

Assesses teacher education programs to determine possible improvements. Findings indicate that recommendations of teacher education graduates are the best sources of information for program alteration. For journal availability, see SO 505 397. (Author/DB)

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)

Examines the interpretation of social studies found in 96 Egyptian teachers-in-training using the Barth/Shermis Social Studies Preference Scale. Results showed the subjects had not developed a meaning for social studies as conceptualized in the United States. Implications of this finding are discussed. (TRS)

This study sought to determine whether social studies teachers could attain sufficient programming expertise to create instructively sound software in an introductory course on AppleSoft BASIC. Analysis of pre- and posttest scores and the programs they authored suggests that such instruction can be efficacious. (Author/JDH)

This national survey revealed that most states (all but six) require the teaching of state history. The majority of the states have a state history textbook of adequate quality, have no curriculum guide setting parameters for state history, and do not require a state history course for teacher certification. (Author/RM)

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…

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 study gathered follow-up data on recent graduates of a secondary social studies education program at the University of Kentucky. Findings indicated that the program ought to keep in close touch with its teacher graduates and the program ought to be broadened to include field experiences. (RM)