Offers suggestions for teachers who are interested in constructivist principles, but concerned about the classroom management required to accompany creative teaching. Outlines some procedures for achieving this goal. Includes an extensive list of student activities that can assist classroom-management efforts. (MJP)

Profiles a series of teaching activities that uses reproductions of entries from President Harry Truman's diary. The activities include content analysis and related research projects. Includes several reproductions of entries describing Truman's frustration with Congress, and his loneliness as his wife and daughter fulfilled other commitments.…

Reviews the creation and content of the public television series "Africans in America: America's Journey through Slavery." Summarizes the four constituent programs: (1) "Terrible Transformation (1562-1750)"; (2) "Revolution (1750-1805)"; (3) "Brotherly Love (1791-1831)"; and (4) "Judgment Day (1831-1861)." Introduces contents of special journal…

Observes that slavery remains an uncomfortable subject and is generally perceived as strictly part of "black history." Argues that slavery must be seen as an American story that has strongly impacted the country's development. Reviews four books that provide insight into aspects of slavery and debates around it. (DSK)

Traces the historiography of studies of slavery since the 1950s, emphasizing changing views of the socioeconomic underpinnings of the slave system, the experiences of slaves, the family and social systems of slaves, regional variations in slavery, the experiences of white slave owners, and socioeconomic differences between North and South. (DSK)

Observes that most white people did not profit from the slave system, yet a massive social force was created to defend it. Argues that this was made possible by linking slavery with theories of racial supremacy. Juxtaposes anti-black racial attitudes with racist views of Irish immigrants prior to the Civil War. (DSK)

Argues that black women formed a crucial part of the evolution of ideals of mutual aid and collective action from the period of slavery onward. Traces the process from mutual aid societies, continuing through literary and antislavery groups and beyond. Recounts the experiences of a number of black women. (DSK)

Presents a lesson using primary sources to explore the revolutionary rhetoric of British-American colonists and its application to the lives of enslaved Africans and free Blacks: How could the same people who argued so forcefully for liberty defend slavery? Includes excerpts from four primary documents and sources for additional documents. (DSK)

Transcribes a roundtable discussion among a group of student advisors who studied the history of slavery and worked on the public television project "Africans in America." Discusses issues about presenting history, dealing with slavery and racism, and how the history of slavery impacts students' own identities. (DSK)

Uses a fictional account of the Stono Uprising of slaves in South Carolina in 1739 to illustrate to students the dynamic relationship between literature and history. Provides a historical synopsis of the Uprising, points to think about while reading the account, and the story itself. (DSK)

Discusses changing views taken by contemporary history texts and courses of African-Americans, and other minorities. Warns that the subject of slavery can be an uncomfortable one to teach but needs to be addressed. Provides reviews of World Wide Web sites that provide a good overview of African-American history. (DSK)

Proposes a strategy for using technology in preparing students for democratic citizenship by using it to reallocate limited classroom time. Argues that the strategy also multiplies students' opportunities to participate in thoughtful activities and discussion, to gain exposure to the views of peers, and to challenge and defend their ideas. (DSK)

Presents a high school lesson plan to teach students that democratic citizenship is not passive and to prepare them to take part in grassroots education and action. Presents a historical overview of campaign-finance debates and a series of activities that use this material to engage students in their own debates. (DSK)

Discusses recent Supreme Court decisions dealing with sexual harassment and other interesting topics, as well as previewing some cases on the upcoming docket. Provides suggested research and discussion questions for students studying these cases and points to teaching resources on the Supreme Court. (DSK)

Discusses the purpose and focus of human-rights education. Traces the definition of human rights, emphasizing the role of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Compares the U.S. record on human rights against the UDHR. Suggests that human-rights education is limited, and offers ideas for improvement (DSK)