Described are the pros and cons of group activity and independent study for secondary students and a three week unit on the processes of socialization. Eleven activities such as field trips, seminars, readings, and surveys are outlined. For journal availability, see SO 505 192. (Author/DB)

Discussed is the need for teachers to improve their effectiveness in classroom skills such as questioning techniques. An instructor cognitive operation index is presented. For journal availability, see SO 505 192. (Author/DB)

Reported are results of a survey in which 13 series of secondary level geography textbooks were tested to determine readability. Findings indicate that there is little difference in the readability level of geography texts published for grade six and those published for the secondary level. References are included. (Author/DB)

Reported are results of a survey of college students undertaken to determine their level of awareness of current events. Findings indicate low awareness. The author recommends creation of innovative methods for developing student awareness. For journal availability, see SO 505 192. (Author/DB)

Discussed are the role of the social studies supervisor and the future directions the role might take. Suggested are four methods of improving supervisor effectiveness, including in-service programs, advanced teacher training, and improvement of supervisory skills. For journal availability, see SO 505 192. (Author/DB)

Analyzes the realistic characterization and plot construction of an anonymously written medieval French play. The play, which relates the story of Christ's resurrection, achieves historical realism by replacing music and chant with dialogue, using a logical plot, and limiting historical anachronism. (AV)

Discusses the lack of consistent accuracy about historical figures in Chaucer's "Monk's Tale." The story of Nero fishing in the Tiber with golden nets is corroborated by many other ancient and medieval authors; however, the reference to Julius Caesar as being of lowly birth is peculiar only to Chaucer and a few medieval English authors. (AV)

Reviews literary evidence that a tenth century French monk, John of Gorze, was not so much a religious paragon as he was a shrewd administrator and manager. He developed a bookkeeping system and capital investment policies. (AV)

Characterizes the life and writings of Liutprand of Cremona, a Christian bishop in tenth century Italy who became famous for his humanism. He employed his knowledge of the classical tradition to promote the cause of a newly conscious Christian-Saxon leadership. (Author/AV)

Maintains that instructional programs have overemphasized knowledge acquisition at the expense of skill development and affective learning. Recommends careful planning of instructional programs to include primary skills (needed for emotional and physical well-being) and secondary skills (without which one can still survive). (Author/AV)

Using case studies, the authors demonstrate the difficulty of distinguishing an act influenced by a person's prejudice from an act influenced by a person's values. Social studies teachers are urged to deal with controversial topics to help students clarify their feelings about issues such as abortion, drug use, religion, and politics. (AV)

Three elementary social studies texts were examined to determine extent of technical vocabulary and comprehension difficulty. Results of cloze and multiple-choice tests based on reading passages indicated that Mexican-American children had more difficulty than others comprehending the textbook material. (Author/AV)

Criticizes eight secondary-level state government textbooks for following a standard format, failing to relate important recent events to governmental processes and institutions, omitting discussion of topics such as campaign finance reform, and ignoring the relationship of academics to state government. (Author/AV)

Seven articles comprise an overview of social studies teaching in Indiana. Content includes a definition of the social studies, applications of Indiana law to social studies, textbook adoption procedures, K-12 curriculum trends, state organizations related to social studies, print and media resources, and suggestions for finding teaching jobs in…

Describes steps to be taken by secondary social studies teachers in developing a unit on American women in history. Topics include sexism, stereotyping, sexual roles, historical aspects of the women's movement, and the unisex concept. Activities and resources are presented. Journal available from Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies, P.O.…