Describes a public policy unit in a secondary government course that uses the Vietnam War as a case study. Examines the issue of decision making in a democracy and how it serves as the foundation for the course. Includes recommended resources for both students and teachers. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 110 secondary social studies teachers and the variables that affect the use of learner-centered teaching strategies. Found that methods used in the preservice social studies methods courses had a significant impact on methods used by teachers. Concluded that teacher educators should increase the use of learner-centered…

Reports on a study of 200 lesson plans developed by student teachers. Found that lessons based on the Teach-Practice-Apply Model had fewer objectives and more fully developed lessons than those based on a conventional model of lesson development. Calls for additional research to examine the effects of lesson planning on student achievement. (CFR)

Contends that future citizens will be required to understand and interact with people, cultures, and ideas throughout the world. Argues that this goal can be achieved only through an integrated approach to the social studies curriculum. Reviews the Texas social studies curriculum guide and points out how it exemplifies this approach. (CFR)

Asserts that education cannot be limited to the confines of a textbook but must be a true window to the world. Argues that this can be achieved through curriculum and thematic teaching. Provides suggestions for designing and teaching integrated, thematic units. (CFR)

Presents a plan for developing and teaching an interdisciplinary curriculum unit combining social studies/social science and English/language arts. Argues that an integrated curriculum based on history and social studies is the key to an effective interdisciplinary unit. Provides suggested resources and instructional ideas. (CFR)

Describes the Earthmobile Project, a tractor trailer educational exhibit that contains a working model of a Native American archaeology site. Explains how the Project appeals to both student and teachers. Outlines how teachers can develop instructional activities that would replicate the Earthmobile experience. (CFR)

Argues that physical education can provide powerful contributions to an integrated curriculum approach. Explains how the theme of human interaction links social studies and physical education. Provides suggestions for integrating the two subjects in the primary grades, the middle elementary grades, and the upper elementary grades. (CFR)

Argues that videodisc and CD-ROM technology can provide opportunities for cross-cultural contacts and language development in social studies classrooms. Describes how new technologies are suited best for new teaching styles. Includes recommended videodisc and CD-ROM programs, hardware components, and offers a list of resources. (CFR)

Maintains that traditional social studies education materials such as textbooks and maps are ineffective when compared with the tools of information technology. Describes the equipment and software necessary to set up online technology for communications and database searching. Includes descriptions of several classroom projects using information…

Contends that properly selected children's literature can help foster cultural awareness and self-concept. Suggests that using fiction about the experiences of Asian and Asian-American children can help students with issues of acculturation. Recommends six novels and other resources for implementing this strategy. (CFR)

Contends that combining cooperative-learning techniques with computer-assisted instruction is an effective way of integrating special needs students into regular social studies classes. Discusses the type of software and instructional strategies necessary for appropriate implementation of this approach. Includes characteristics of cooperative…

Contends that performance assessment, or authentic assessment, is changing the way teachers evaluate and grade students. Describes the differences between traditional assessment and performance assessment. Argues that performance assessment is particularly suited for the social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Presents Gold Rush Day, an annual eight-week project emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach for fourth graders. Describes the preparation and implementation of the project. Includes a description of interdisciplinary learning achievements. (CFR)

Recommends the use of cemeteries as the focus of student research in secondary social studies. Presents methods for initiating such a project and guidance for appropriate student behavior. Includes a list of suggested activities for cemetery studies. (CFR)