Commemorating 50 years of continuous publication, this article traces the history of SOCIAL EDUCATION and the themes which it followed. Included is information on editorial policy, journal readership, and persistent issues in the field. (JDH)

A synthesized interview of four of the five editors of SOCIAL EDUCATION through its 50 years of publication, this article addresses the recurring hopes, problems, and issues which these men encountered during their respective periods of leadership. (JDH)

Reviews "Decisions Decisions", a computer-based simulation for grades 5 through 12 which involves the whole class in making policy decisions on historical and current events with the use of only one computer. Topics of the seven separate simulations are: immigration, colonization, revolutionary wars, urbanization, foreign policy, the budget…

This article defines the subject matter and methods of sociology. It reviews recent developments in the field and summarizes reasons for these changes. (JDH)

Using a copy of a February 1937 letter from the publisher of the Gannett newspapers as a discussion springboard, this article provides historical background and teaching suggestions for addressing the issue of the separation of powers through Franklin Roosevelt's attempt to 'pack' the Supreme Court. (JDH)

Provides an introduction to the articles in this issue. Maintains that social studies teachers and textbooks will not be replaced by computers. States that the relationship between the social studies and computers is limited only by our imaginations. (JDH)

This article presents an interview with Robert Taylor, a leading figure in educational computing. Among the topics covered are: (1) current developments in educational computing, (2) the changing role of teachers, (3) the resources computer technology will provide to social studies teachers, and (4) whether the probable future uses of computers…

Provides examples of computer-based classroom activities which support the skills, content, and democratic values goals of social studies. It also outlines an approach to teaching inquiry, information handling, and group interaction skills; explains the role of databases in supporting content objectives; and gives examples of values issues that…

This article provides a diverse collection of examples of computer use in elementary and secondary school social studies. Names and addresses are provided for contacting many of the projects. (JDH)

This article describes how an eighth grade class developed a computer-based social studies simulation on the Great Depression. Included are objectives for such development activities, a set of steps for guiding development, a discussion of potential difficulties and rewards, data on student reactions to simulation development, and information on…

Describes three stages encountered by schools in efforts to join computer revolution, using developmental theories of Marx and Piaget. Typically use of computers begins by being province of one knowledgeable teacher, then moves to diffusion and subsequent disillusionment. Argues that transition directly to final tool-use stage may be best way for…

This article presents a compilation of computer resources for elementary and secondary social studies. Included are books, software directories, periodicals, journal articles on classroom applications, selected software with ordering information, and information about on- line data bases. (JDH)

Offers a listing of 80 books considered to be important for a professional library in social studies. The categories included are: (1) foundations of social studies education; (2) social studies curriculum; (3) social studies instruction; (4) change processes in social studies; and (5) sources on sources. (JDH)

Identifies diversity of teachers' instructional priorities, student disengagement (boredom), and mediocre teaching as three problem-areas of social studies instruction. Overcoming these problems requires that teachers place depth above coverage, that the school culture be changed to enhance student engagement, and that efforts be made to promote…

Presents results from the 1984 High School and Beyond Supplemental Teacher Survey which pertains to social studies teachers. The data provide information regarding such topics as job satisfaction, subjects taught, educational attainment, instructional practices, teaching load, certification, and professionalism. (JDH)