Presents an activity that gives elementary social studies students a chance to investigate the meanings of personal names from around the world. Uses the Global Names Table to gather from students' neighborhoods the names, meanings, backgrounds, and classifications from different cultures. Concludes the lesson with presentations and selection of…

States that by using the constructivist model for learning, schools can create a culture that values collaboration, promotes self-reliance, and prepares students with critical-handling skills. Summarizes activities teachers can utilize to promote constructivist learning by incorporating the use of technology. Considers different types of…

Describes the research questions, methods, and findings for two action-research studies, conducted in 1996 and 1997, about the use of Internet-based resources for the study of the Holocaust. Discusses data and relationships from both studies and offers direction for schools planning to engage their faculty in action research. (CMK)

Argues that social studies teachers should offer their students the necessary critical-thinking skills to help them navigate the Internet. Presents an overview of six criteria, with accompanying questions, to assist students in determining the reliability and usefulness of information sites and allowing them access to the valuable information…

Believes that there are connections among the study of the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights that support a vision of democratic citizenship. Provides three themes that focus on human rights issues by exploring the Holocaust: (1) constructing the other; (2) rationalizing injustice; and (3) courage and resistance to patterns of oppression. (CMK)

Explains that an organic curriculum embraces a social studies curriculum that is supported by multidisciplinary social science methods and is grounded in the students' real-world experiences. Maintains that this organic social studies methodology is a means for implementing the thematic strands of the National Council for the Social Studies…

Describes the Oral History Project at the American School Foundation in Mexico City, Mexico that focuses on examining the Mexican countryside through oral history projects, infusing art and photography within the issues-centered framework, and promoting the acceptance of other cultures. Views the teacher as a facilitator whereas the students…

Presents a lesson that focuses on Lithuanian efforts to gain their freedom and their role in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Describes various learning activities that foster understanding of this topic, such as having the students dramatize important events in Lithuania's struggle for independence. (CMK)

Describes the process for creating a mock trial based on the fable "Francine, Kerplunk, and the Golden Nugget." Explains that during the jury deliberations the jurors utilize chart structures to assess the credibility of the witness' testimony and the attorney's arguments. Maintains that chart structures can also be adapted to classroom debates.…

Believes that teachers should use a literature-enhanced curriculum to teach geography because this approach allows them to meet the National Geography Standards, bridge geographically distant worlds for their students, and promote multiculturalism. Stresses the importance of carefully choosing literature and provides an appendix that lists…

Considers the forces contributing to the development of democratic citizenship education in Albania and reviews the progress that has been made. Explores the barriers to democratic citizenship education, such as the centralization in Albanian schools and the lack of resources for running a program. Ponders the future of democratic citizenship…

Discusses the importance of democratic citizenship education in Korea. Highlights the forces enhancing democratic citizenship education especially the role of the nongovernmental organizations and the Korean Educational Developmental Institute. Considers the various forces inhibiting democratic citizenship education, such as corruption in the…

Examines the forces enhancing democratic citizenship education in Taiwan focusing on the social, political, and cultural context of the country. Highlights the progress that has been made, reviews the factors that hinder the development of a democratic citizenship education, and considers its future in Taiwan (Republic of China). (CMK)

Addresses the major issues in relation to media education in the United Kingdom focusing on the various approaches that have be used historically. Outlines what media education is not and what it could be and discusses why media education is important to democratic societies. Highlights some key terms in media education. (CMK)

Analyzes students' perceptions of the developing world and cultural differences before and after they view photographs of India. Provides ideas for eliminating students' stereotypes and ethnocentric biases about developing countries through cooperative brainstorming activities that instill high-order thinking in students and by having students…