Ten conclusions about childrens' learning are presented from 15 years of research by the Educational Research Council of America. These include effectiveness of short textbooks, interest in learning technical words, need for social science curriculum to challenge, and detrimental effect of ingrained teacher attitudes to teach social studies by…

A science fiction story humorously relates the discovery of human computational abilities in an age when computers are believed to be the only means of solving number problems. (AV)

Ten guidelines to help students improve their writing include clear expression, specificity, originality, avoiding stereotyping, linking paragraphs, setting time by parallel events, linking past and present, use of primary sources, giving evidence for generalizations, and reading to increase sensitivity. (AV)

Discussed are frictions of pluralism and apathy of affluence as two factors contributing to feelings of disillusionment and hopelessness in Western society. The author sees a source of hope in the creative science achievements of Western society which are promoted by its pluralistic nature. (AV)

There is a need for better understanding and cooperation between the sciences and the social sciences. Overlap occurs in the area of applied science, where moral and ethical issues arise. (Author/AV)

Provides a rationale for teaching about work in the social studies curriculum, despite concerns that career education is faddish and discourages upward mobility for disadvantaged children. A successful model developed by the Illinois Council on Economic Education helps students understand economic processes and the role of work in their lives.…

Describes a study to extend research of Piaget and Jahoda into children's spatial conceptions. Individual testing and interviewing are discussed. Results indicate differences in rate of spatial stages development of Swiss, Scottish and American children, although Piagets' original theorized stages remain invariate. (Author/AV)

A criticism of the trend to de-emphasize history and to integrate social sciences, inquiry techniques, and values education into the social studies curriculum. Students need to have a sense of chronology and should not make value judgments on issues and events without understanding their historical background. (AV)

An argument in favor of the "new" social studies which stresses inquiry, argument, challenge, and rigor. In a time when the guiding influences of family and religion are weakening, social studies should attempt to develop students' ethical and moral growth. (AV)

In this introduction to a series of articles blending perspectives of political science and citizenship education, the author stresses the need for a variety of citizenship skills in voter education programs and for an emphasis on learning by doing. (AV)

Four ideas can be used to help students analyze the upcoming 1976 presidential election: expected vote and departures from it; impact of mass media on voters; use of public opinion polling; and connection between electoral and popular votes. (AV)

This article presents a way of looking at decision making that can facilitate students' achievement of citizenship skills that may enable them to be more effective participants during and between elections. (AV)

Suggestions are offered for teaching about three kinds of decisions in electoral politics which all citizens face: deciding whether to participate, deciding how to participate, and deciding for whom to vote. (AV)

The authors discuss (1) the meaning of citizen participation and the types of roles and skills that can be taught in classrooms; (2) how textbooks and other social studies materials teach participant roles; and (3) a sample lesson for teaching participation skills. (AV)

Suggestions are given for teaching students to be constructive, critical assessors of presidential decision making. The "benign leader" image presented in traditional textbooks is criticized, and a decision-making model and source materials are suggested for guiding students' discussions. (AV)