Presents results of a test of nonmusic majors' ability to remember song titles. Suggests that, although the process of categorization seems to be a basic function of perception, appropriate categorization needs to be learned. Supports the view that music learning, like verbal learning, involves a categorization of stimuli based on holistic…

Explores the comparative effectiveness of verbal instruction and modeling instruction in instrumental music classrooms. Hypothesizes that modeling is more effective than verbal instruction. Concludes that modeling strategies and devices such as melodic echoes and rhythmic movement to music can lead to increased ear-to-hand skills and kinesthetic…

Presents results of a study that explored the effect of overt categorization on musical preference. Found no difference in choices of nonmusic majors when choices were structured as stipulated, unstipulated, or free form categories. Finds musical experience and gender affected preferences for pop and jazz, but not for rock music. (DK)

Presents results of a study of whether undergraduate music majors would prefer sequenced piano music to recordings of actual performances. Finds no significant differences between ratings for technical merit, artistic merit, and overall impression. Finds recording quality ratings higher for sequenced pieces. Suggests that sequencing may allow an…

Investigates the contributions of tonal syllables, hand signs, and letter representations of tonal syllables to the development of verbal and symbolic tonal skills of first grade students. Finds no method to be significantly better than another. Concludes that tonal aptitude is the most significant predictor of tonal syllable and pitch…

Reviews nine U.S. history textbooks, evaluating their analyses of the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War. Documents their failure to link U.S. foreign policy to economic interests. Criticizes the texts' lack of an historical framework. Concludes students are taught neither historical truth nor critical analysis skills. (CH)

Considers the gap between theory and practice in social studies education. Postulates this gap results from teachers utilizing critical thinking as a classroom strategy rather than committing to it as an ethic. Examines seven principles to illustrate critical thinking as a teaching ethic. Urges professors to embody this ethic in their teaching to…

Discusses research into high school economics teachers' attitudes about U.S.-Japan trade policy and teaching about Japan. Compares teachers' and general public's responses to Harris poll on U.S.-Japan trade relations. Reports that, although 91 percent of teachers believe they should teach about Japan, only 53 percent spend 2-5 class periods on…

Presents a three-phase study that sought consensus among social educators on curriculum goals, major problems, and research questions in social studies education. Describes use of the Delphi technique in testing the impact of structured feedback on assigning priorities and degree of consensus cohesiveness. Discusses the purposes and results of the…

Identifies linkages between social inquiry and artistic thought to show interdisciplinary possibilities for kindergarten through high school social studies instruction. Argues expression through modern dance helps students integrate personal experience and social phenomena. Provides a lesson in which elementary school students choreograph their…

Studies literature produced from 1920 to 1940 appropriate for children between 9 and 12 years of age. Critiques the values that are transmitted during this period. Maintains that, although children's literature should be integrated into the social studies curriculum, this should be done in a critical way. Includes a bibliography of books reviewed.…

Administered questionnaires to 1,459 secondary social studies students in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands to examine age, gender, and country differences in adolescents' perceptions of classroom climate. Studied relationships between political attitudes and perceived classroom climate and between the use of…

Examines how an open classroom climate relates to effective global education. Looks at gender and race differences, and identifies attributes of open classrooms. Administers questionnaires to 202 students enrolled in an international studies program. Finds a moderate positive correlation between classroom climate and student political attitudes.…

Examines the role of the Japanese prefecture (a regional government unit analogous to U.S. states) in school administration through a case study of the Chiba prefectural board of education's role in administering the high school entrance examination. Finds that the examination stratifies students into an educational hierarchy. (NL)

Examination of interviews and surveys provides an overview of the problems and needs of rural school teachers in multigrade classrooms. A review of research and teacher reports in the U.S. and other countries compares instructional methods in multigrade and single grade classrooms. Implications for teacher preparation, classroom organization, and…