Highlighting the fact that little critical thinking actually occurs in secondary social studies education, McKee presents the findings from a three-year school district-university project to foster critical thinking in social studies classes. Addressing methodology and implications, McKee reports that, even with intensive training and teacher…

Describes a model for studying and identifying revolution condensed from Crane Brinton's "Anatomy of Revolution." Explains how the characteristics of the model can be applied to hypothetical, historical, and contemporary situations. Outlines the teaching sequence, illustrating how students are taught a historical model and how to apply it to…

Compares the American Federation of Teachers' pamphlet, "Education for Democracy: A Statement of Principles," to H. Gordon Hullfish's views on democratic education expressed in 1955. Stating that the pamphlet is an "unabashed call for political indoctrination," Ross argues that the best education for citizens in a democracy is one that exemplifies…

Outlines the structure of the Scottish educational system in general, and the social studies program in particular. Discusses recent and ongoing changes in the social studies designed to decrease rigidity, encourage cooperation across social science departments, and promote student awareness of social problems and contemporary affairs. (GEA)

Examines the events leading to and immediately following the declaration of war on Mexico in 1846. Includes the second and third pages of Abraham Lincoln's "Spot Resolutions" and presents teaching suggestions for interpreting the document and assessing public opinion. (GEA)

Presents five activities for grades 3-6 which show how to harness the fun of Halloween to achieve social studies goals such as values clarification, critical thinking, personal decision making, and inquiry. States that Halloween's rich history, contemporary customs, ancient rituals, and myths provide a high-interest background of common experience…

Examines the way in which studying history contributes to intellectual development. Identifies five mental attributes it enhances: perspective--gained from placing people, events, institutions against larger background; encounter--confronting great ideas, personalities, etc.; relativism in a pluralistic world--developed from immersion in other…

Identifies experiential learning as an exceptional method for improving citizenship education. States that experiential activities are powerful motivators for high school students, they should be available to all students, and the needs of special populations (recent immigrants) be recognized. Advocates incentives for social studies achievement,…

Presents several suggestions designed to assist teachers and students in the development of essay test-taking skills. Examines organizing the essay; brainstorming for ideas; composing the introductions and theses; establishing the historical setting; and writing the body and conclusion. Advocates proofreading, in-class practice, and allowing…

Presents a review of research literature that was undertaken to determine the extent to which research about teaching and learning history supports the current reform movement. Examines history's status in the schools, surveys recent trends in the history curriculum, explores how teachers use textbooks, and questions the appropriateness of history…

Describes a field trip in which 6th grade students traveled to Florence, Italy. Delineates the planning necessary to make such trips beneficial and rewarding, identifying the responsibilities of teachers, parents, students, and the school administration. Argues that international field trips offer unparalleled opportunities for growth in both…

Highlights the potential for television as an instructional medium. Recognizes that television is a fact of life and a major determinant of what citizens know about history. Concludes that television has helped to create the information age, and the challenge of the information age needs to be addressed by our schools. (GEA)

Presents television as an instrument through which adolescents can gain social experience and strengthen social development. Examines the link between watching television and social relationships, discussing how television viewing can provide "blueprints" for behavior in social situations. Lists four steps for using television as a learning tool.…

Presents an overview of the Public Broadcasting Service and its educational functions. Examines the educational services offered by public television, identifying educational programs available and some being developed. Describes LEARNING LINK, an interactive service featuring data bases, computer conferencing, and information resources accessible…

Discusses California's Technology in the Curriculum Project for History/Social Science which was designed to identify technology resources, both computer and video, that were of appropriate technical quality to support social studies instruction. Explores the matching of television programs to instructional objectives, highlighting the potential…