Describes a historical research project for students in secondary grades. Provides recommendations for evaluating student projects. Includes a student project guide and evaluation scale. (CFR)

Describes changes in personal attitudes as a result of participation in a professional development program, the California History-Social Science Project. Compares a newly proposed model of education with a conventional one. Provides a lesson plan and a follow-up activity based on this new educational model. (CFR)

Contends that all genuine learning is active, not passive. Asserts that three educational principles are the foundation of effective social studies instruction: (1) active learning; (2) integration of language arts; and (3) appeal to multiple intelligences. Provides a history lesson plan based on these principles. (CFR)

Asserts that children learn best and remember more when they are involved in active learning. Includes two lesson plans in which elementary students create a learning environment. Maintains that students developed a long-term interest in the topics and enjoyed the projects. (CFR)

Argues that active learning should be the goal of every teacher. Contends that this can be achieved through the use of cooperative learning, attention to learning styles, and hands-on strategies. Includes a lesson plan utilizing audiovisual aids. (CFR)

Asserts that using a thematic approach to teach pre-twentieth-century U.S. history can help students connect historical events in a coherent pattern. Discusses the development of a history curriculum based on five recurring themes in U.S. history. Provides an outline for a nine-week unit that includes suggested student activities for each theme.…

Asserts that teaching social studies in the primary grades can be an exhilarating experience for teachers and encourages long-term interest in investigating the world among students. Maintains that cooperative learning, student research activities, integration of children's literature, writing and the arts, and the use of educational technology…

Contends that history teachers should help students develop critical viewing and thinking skills about visual images. Discusses the emerging practice of blurring the lines between entertainment and information in television, films, and other visual presentations. Provides two sets of questions to help students analyze documentaries, television…

Argues that instructional strategies, like cooperative learning and inquiry-based learning, require new methods of evaluating student performance. Describes an assessment portfolio approach to student evaluation with four components: (1) a Decision of the Week; (2) a History Log; (3) Geo Storms; and (4) a Point-Counterpoint debate topic. Includes…

Discusses changes made in instructional strategies by an experienced teacher as a result of participation in an inservice training program. Compares two instructional approaches to the same geography lesson. Concludes that the inquiry approach provides more opportunities for students to apply intellectual skills than expository instruction. (CFR)

Provides an annotated list of 10 items from the ERIC database about integrated curriculum and instruction. (CFR)

Describes feminist activism in a California high school that led to a sexual harassment policy. Discusses the role of the teacher, the legacy of previous feminist activity in the school, and the issue of men's studies. Concludes that both women's studies and men's studies class are steps toward dignity through diversity. (CFR)

Describes the conflict between the California Framework for History-Social Education and interdisciplinary citizenship education. Discusses exemplary teachers, diversity in schools, privatization, and the role of public education. Contends that, although teaching can be considered noble and unselfish, it is above all a political act. (CFR)

Contends that social studies textbooks remain a basic source of information for students and they ascribe to texts the values of objectivity and truth. Concludes that, in spite of improvements in recent years, six major concerns about gender-related issues remain. (CFR)

Asserts that the rapid growth of the limited-English-proficient (LEP) student population has been a great challenge to social studies teachers. Proposes five reading and writing activities that actively involve LEP students in meaningful instructional tasks and encourage higher level thinking skills. (CFR)