Profiles a teacher workshop sponsored by the School of California On-line Resources in Education (SCORE). The teachers developed units of instruction using problem-based learning (a constructivist approach where students discover techniques and information to solve problems) and combining them with Web-based information and tools. Briefly…

Defines a "WebQuest" as an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet. Outlines six critical attributes of a WebQuest and provides a sample lesson. The lesson outlines the connections between democratic principles and pluralistic education. (MJP)

Discusses the development and implementation of the National Teachers' Training Convention in the Philippines. The convention trained two thousand teachers in six days. Describes the spartan facilities that define the Philippines' educational system and various efforts to improve it, including the "Books for Barrios" project that distributes…

Provides an annotated bibliography of educational resources that can be used to support instructional units on the Gold Rush or the sesquicentennial of California's statehood. The materials include workbooks, videos, teacher's guides, monographs, and magazines. Offers a brief history of the Gold Rush and a set of relevant discussion questions.…

Outlines the attributes of "BaseMap," a map-making software package. Locating specific outline maps is a consistently frustrating problem for most instructors. BaseMap allows teachers to copy any map onto their clipboard and make revisions using standard word processing programs. Provides a quick overview of the tools and functions. (MJP)

Introduces a way for teachers to capture the interest of elementary students using fictional literature in social studies instruction. Argues that, by helping students learn the importance of history, they tend to pay better attention. Suggests that the use of historical fiction helps students become better critical readers and thinkers. (DSK)

Suggests using issue-centered approaches in elementary social studies instruction and discusses one example, the Reconstructive Model by Frank Simon. Argues that by using this model, teachers can develop their own issue-centered lessons and units about history. Provides an example of a sixth-grade lesson on disabled students developed using this…

Proposes a project to help teachers introduce service learning in the classroom. Gives a descriptive case analysis of one teacher's efforts to stress the importance of service, locally and globally, to her students. Argues that the main goal is for students to increase their personal development and civic responsibility. (DSK)

Introduces a project to engage preservice teachers in a service learning activity. Provides background on service learning and how to incorporate it into the classroom. Suggests that preservice teachers need to experience service learning so that they will be better prepared to implement service learning in their future classrooms. (DSK)

Presents the value of portfolio experiences for graduate students. Posits that, by using portfolio assessment, students take more responsibility for their own progress, and they have the opportunity to be a part of their own learning process. Provides a summary of student assessments of their portfolio experience. (DSK)

Considers advantages and possible traps in using the Internet to teach global education. Contends that it provides new ways for students to be involved in learning and gives them access to a broader variety of materials while remaining in the classroom. Includes an annotated directory of sites relevant to teaching global understanding. (DSK)

Discusses benefits and conditions of international travel fellowships for educators, particularly their ability to expand knowledge of other cultures, and the requirement to share travel experiences with local communities. Offers information about five sponsoring organizations that provide international fellowships for teachers. Includes: contact…

Investigates civic education curricular reform in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Discusses the problems inherent in reforming an entire educational system, from textbooks to teachers, originally designed for Marxist-Leninist purposes. Examines the German state educational structure and the role that the main political parties play in…

Provides a valuable compendium of guidelines, advice, ideas, and teaching tips for integrating social problems, and social action throughout the social studies curriculum. Describes a social studies methods course that focused on AIDS, and what positive action or contribution the class could make towards this problem. (MJP)

Details the educational objectives achieved by an 8th grade U.S. history class using a cooperative learning research model. Using the Group Investigation Model, the class learned to use text headings, subheads, and key words in their reading. They also became familiar with synthesizing information and linking key ideas. (MJP)