If we are to avoid a purely pathological approach to the study of population, it is important to define the problem of population" in a perspective which takes account of the whole field of population studies. Readings for the teacher are discussed. (Author/VW)

Presents a policy statement from the National Council for the Social Studies for the quincentenary of Columbus's first new world voyage. Recommends that teachers help students comprehend the contemporary relevance of 1492 and provide basic, accurate knowledge about Columbus's voyages, their historical setting, and unfolding effects. Suggests areas…

Describes an individual's experience returning to his native Czechoslovakia, 43 years after fleeing Communism. Discusses problems faced in transforming people conditioned to an authoritarian state into citizens of a democracy. Stresses that good intentions and sincerity are not enough to understand area studies and the importance of intercultural…

Urges that history not focus on world history to the extent that the histories of people of color are ignored or lost in the larger world view. Suggests that contemporary accounts of U.S. history be rewritten to integrate the experiences of diverse groups of people. Argues that such change can help eliminate racism. (DK)

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated lessons. Identifies…

Describes the first printed world map from 1472. Discusses the style development consisting of a circle of land surrounded by ocean and divided into three continents by water. Includes explanations of the ocean sea, continents, decorations, and locations, and the map's significance as a representation of a unified world view. (DK)

Suggests that Benjamin Franklin's autobiography contains many useful messages for today's students. Discusses Franklin's list of virtues that he followed in an attempt at attaining moral perfection. Includes temperance, industry, justice, tranquillity, and humility. Describes the message of Franklin's lesson as one of achieving through effort…

Describes the history of struggles that have led to recent revolutions and reforms in Poland. Attributes the breakup of the Soviet bloc to both internal and external factors. Discusses local government in Poland from 1950 to the current trend toward decentralization. Addresses political, organizational, economic, and financial issues. Makes…

Describes a trip to Vietnam and conversations with Vietnamese educators and veterans. Discusses the Vietnamese view of the war, the United States, and their own country. Urges the restructuring of U.S. social studies to emphasize positive learning about the Vietnamese from their own perspective. (DK)

Describes a learning exercise to combine the goal of global understanding and appreciation with global knowledge. Suggests that students (1) take a systematic inventory of their personal possessions, (2) record the origin of each on a world map, and (3) analyze and discuss their findings. Reports results of student surveys listing origins and…

Discusses a study of the role of social studies instruction in promoting sociopolitical mobilization among Nigerian youth. Examines the effects of gender, varied experience, and academic qualifications. Concludes than education is as effective as propaganda in influencing attitudes. (DK)