Recounts experiences of an American teacher in Afghanistan from 1973-1975. Topics discussed include culture shock, adjustment to a foreign culture, Afghan history and culture, archaeological ruins, Islamic culture, economic and educational development, and Afghanistan's role in the modern world. (DB)

Presents a viewing guide to ODYSSEY--a 13-week television series on anthropology and archaeology. For each program, information is presented on background, summary, using the guide, discussion questions, bibliography, and things to watch for and think about during the series. (DB)

Explains why social studies classroom teachers would want to develop crossword puzzles, explains how crossword puzzles are made, and describes classroom strategies based upon crossword puzzles. (DB)

Recommends that high school social studies teachers exploit student interest in contemporary musicians to teach techniques of biographical construction. Maintains that innovative classroom practices involving non-traditional subject matter can foster intellectual growth and historical understanding. (Author/DB)

Presents a research study which investigated adolescent attitudes toward the police among two classes of ninth graders in ethnically mixed social studies classes. Students were shown 24 slides, asked questions about the slide, and asked to write a response to each slide. Results of the survey are discussed and additional uses of the survey…

Presents a brief overview of ethnic material available to elementary school social studies classroom teachers, suggests criteria for selection of materials, presents examples of ethnic materials on different complexity levels, and gives some general pointers to teachers on what to avoid when selecting ethnic materials. (DB)

Compares Kohlberg's and Dewey's views on moral education with regard to implications for elementary social studies classes, moral instruction of children, curriculum development, and community life of the school. Concludes that Dewey's approach to moral education is more comprehensive than Kohlberg's. (Author/DB)

Presents a position statement of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Reports that the NCSS objects to ability grouping in social studies. Argues that ability grouping disadvantages minority, handicapped, and low ability students. Suggests that ability grouping undermines the democratic ideals that should be the basis of the social…

Presents a revision of the standards for social studies teacher preparation by the National Council for the Social Studies. Discusses the selection for and continuation in social studies teacher educations of promising teachers. Suggests that program requirements include general education, social studies skills including global and multicultural…

Presents a three-part set of guidelines for multicultural education. Describes characteristics of ethnic and cultural groups. States principles of ethnic and cultural diversity. Discusses the role of the school, learning differences among ethnic groups, and goals for reform. Includes 23 individual guidelines and a program evaluation checklist. (DK)

Presents a poster for classroom use backed by a teacher's guide to be used in conjunction with the Public Broadcasting Service's six-part series "Space Age." Lists major concepts explored in each program. Includes questions for classroom discussion. Suggests classroom activities to accompany the lessons from the television programs. (DK)

Presents a bibliography of 18 video products for use in the classroom. Includes programs on geography, Japanese culture, Native American culture and history, change in the former Soviet Union, and the Persian Gulf War. Gives a brief description of each program. Lists recently released software programs on geography, tests, history, and computer…

Presents a history lesson based on the deed of presentation for the Statue of Liberty. Discusses the conception and history of the statue and its presentation to the United States as a gift from the people of France. Includes a copy of the document, topics for class discussion, and research, writing, and design activities. (DK)

Describes multicultural trade books for adolescent readers. Defines multiculturalism, diversity, and global dimensions. Discusses four books that address the problems of biculturalism for American Indian youth, interracial dating and marriage, sexual and racial diversity in different occupations, and women's lives in the developing nations. (DK)

Discusses the debate between those who fear that multiculturalism will destroy the cultural unity of the United States and those who believe that diversity is essential to democracy. Explores the role of social studies as the curriculum area designated to educate citizens for democratic participation. Addresses the growing problem of economic…