Discusses a study conducted to determine if the directed use of newspapers could increase students' content acquisition in a secondary American Government course. Results show an increase in students' content acquisition, but further studies are needed with many more students participating. Includes chart quantifying data from study, and a sample…

Describes a method for re-enacting presidential elections as a classroom activity, stressing the importance of student involvement in learning. Provides a way to structure each election for classroom instruction and suggests some of the more significant elections to study. Includes a number of nineteenth century election songs as examples of…

Explaining that teaching history with novels works, Brandhorst provides guidance in making the use of historical fiction more effective. Discusses where in the curriculum historical fiction fits, examining the pros and cons of using the text first; the novel second; and vice versa. Concludes that historical fiction is useful for improving…

Examines changes in social studies education from the late 1960s into 1980s, stating that it is important today to teach about social issues using some form of values clarification. Advocates the use of such methods so that students may effectively confront today's challenges, namely Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, drug abuse, alcoholism, sex…

Surveys the content of 13 elementary social studies methods texts published between 1981 and 1988. Disregarding quality or length of coverage, Breiter identifies common topics in social studies methods texts as well as social/controversial issues and skills coverage. Suggests how this information might be used in text selection or course renewal…

Discusses the goals and planning of a scavenger hunt which was designed to increase enthusiasm in students and promote active learning. States that a scavenger hunt instills a sense of community pride in students and that the community cooperation fosters a positive relationship with the school. Provides a sample scavenger hunt checklist. (GEA)

Citing recent studies which decry the historical knowledge and writing ability of U.S. students, Seiter states that writing can be used to introduce more social studies content into the classroom--mainly by using primary/historical sources as the basis for writing assignments. Highlights several ERIC resources which deal with improving writing…

Donald Schneider, 1988 president of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), examines the demographic composition of NCSS membership and discusses strategies for taking NCSS and the social studies profession into the twenty-first century. Profiles NCSS members and nonmembers, advocating increased participation of minorities as teachers…

Discusses the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ChESS). Identifies three trends pertaining to the teaching and learning of history, geography, and civics in elementary and secondary schools. Examines pertinent issues in each trend area, and states that through regular use of ERIC/ChESS resources, teachers can…

Noting the difficulties in teaching history to elementary students, Bechtol proposes the three-dimensional timeline as a method of presenting historical time concepts in a concrete manner. Describes how the timeline covers family, U.S., and world history; discusses its advantages; and provides tips for its use. (GEA)

Argues that students must be taught historical methods in order to evaluate historical evidence, determine its relevance to a topic, and produce intelligent papers. Presents an exercise which requires students to write a historical essay based solely upon provided documents, illustrating that interpretations will vary despite common facts. (GEA)

Discusses the importance of critical thinking for participation in democratic society and identifies the critical thinking skills tested in the eighth grade California Assessment Program. Provides an extensive appendix detailing a critical thinking skills continuum, a glossary of terms, and classroom strategies. (GEA)

Describes and illustrates the performance differences observed between boys and girls on California's history-social science assessments. Provides specific recommendations about what classroom teachers can do to help reduce these differences. (GEA)

Intended to help teachers provide effective instruction about the economic concept of inflation, this article focuses on (1) a teaching strategy to introduce inflation in a concrete, dynamic way; and (2) topical suggestions for both general inquiry and exploration of the social-psychological dimensions of inflation. Provides a list of 12…

Stating that students should learn more about the U.S. Constitution than superficial details, Vile advocates the teaching of 12 basic constitutional principles that are essential to the nature and success of the U.S. government. These principles include the rule of law, individual rights, and the dangers of concentrated power. (GEA)