Examines the contributions of Alice Miel to the practice and theory of children's democratic social learning. Miel advocated the development of democratic behavior as the ultimate goal of schooling. Views her work as historical antecedent to current research on diversity in the social studies and the elementary classroom. (DSK)

Argues that the heterogeneity of morals and aesthetics in contemporary pluralistic cultures, and the consequent concentration on individual self-interests, is a threat to democratic ways of life. Discusses people's problems appreciating the values of democratic forms of life and accessing public life under the condition of postmodern mass…

Examines the socialization of student teachers in secondary history classrooms, specifically, responses to a history-intensive social studies methods course, and their subsequent use of document-based instruction. Supports previous research regarding student teachers' active participation in their socialization process, and provides insights into…

Explores how two preservice teachers viewed their teacher education courses and how these experiences influenced how each proposed to teach history. Indicates that they were influenced by objectivist epistemologies concerning historical knowledge and didactic teaching approaches, and both had ambitions not to teach from that epistemology or in…

Probes the interaction between teacher-education experiences and existing student beliefs, through observation and analysis of two elementary teaching candidates' experience in social studies methods courses and student teaching. Suggests that beliefs can facilitate professional growth if articulated as tools for reflection, but can be obstacles…

Describes how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was adapted for use in social studies teacher education. Reviews the background of PBL as used in professional faculties, and offers curricular justification for its use. Examines difficulties experienced in adapting PBL to teacher education, taking into account perspectives from prospective teachers and…

Argues that contemporary educational reform rhetoric hides policies that reinforce socioeconomic differences among students. Asks what it means to teach for a democratic society. Reviews the answers debated by participants in a conference on this issue, especially those centered on the Whole Schooling Consortium. (DSK)

Notes that there have been no studies of student teachers' learning how to use primary sources to teach history. Generates general characteristics of the task based on discussions among historians and philosophers. Uses these to frame an investigation of difficulties encountered by student teachers while learning to use primary sources. (DSK)

Examines multiple perspectives on current classroom practice in global education, including those of master teachers, practicing teachers, and preservice teachers. Notes some commonalities and differences of theories and practice across the three groups. Argues that the theories and practices of teachers can and should inform conceptual…

Explores the assumption that issues-centered instruction is fine for advanced students but too difficult for low-achieving adolescents when reviewing case studies of world geography classes composed of low-achieving students. Concludes that teachers confront numerous difficulties in planning and implementing issues-centered instruction for…

Reflects on a social studies teacher's experiences during a Fulbright professorship in Ghana. Relates how, as an outsider from the United States, she learned about Ghanian perspectives of history, economics, women's issues, and culture, and was reminded of the dominating power of Western cultural and economic imperialism. (DSK)

Argues that race and racism continue to define issues in the United States, but receive little attention in current College and University Faculty Association work, and are minimized in much of National Council for the Social Studies work. Outlines goals that the authors would like to see these organizations adopt. (DSK)

Calls for social science researchers to make the leap from understanding to action. Explains action and why it must replace classical disinterestedness and objectivity. Discusses the new criteria for educational research and the new methods for interpretive researchers. Addresses the implications for higher education. (CMK)

Demonstrates how a theoretical framework that includes a politics of difference and multicultural feminism may help reconceptualize democracy in general and education for democracy specifically. Indicates how universality has failed in practice, posits "equivalent rights" instead of "equal rights," and discusses instructional strategies to…

Analyzes high school social studies instruction according to P. H. Martorella's "alternative perspectives on citizenship education" framework. The study was based on a national survey of 500 high school social studies teachers holding membership in the National Council for the Social Studies. Discusses Martonella's five perspectives and the…