ERIC Number: ED432516
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1999-Apr
Pages: 35
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Perspectives of Social Studies over a Quarter of a Century: Reflections from Veteran Social Studies Leaders.
Haas, Mary E.; Laughlin, Margaret A.
A study focused on documenting historical events and personal histories of individuals active in social studies during the last half of the 20th century. Objectives included: (1) to pass on the heritage of social studies education over the past 50 years as viewed by veteran social studies educators in their own words; (2) to identify major changes in social studies education over these years; (3) to identify the perspectives veteran social studies leaders hold regarding the future of the field in the coming years; and (4) to ask respondents to identify their own legacy to the field to pass it on to less experienced colleagues. Using the membership list of professional organizations, questionnaires were sent to individuals with 25 years or more in social studies; 43 responded directly to the survey and offered insights. Findings included identification of changes in social studies such as the inclusion of multicultural/global/gender related education within the scope of social studies programs; the impact of the "New Social Studies" as a whole or the identification of specific changes in curriculum content that emerged from these initiatives; issues related to standards, testing, assessment and evaluation of students and teachers; and inclusion of technology as a teaching tool in social studies programs. As to the future role of social studies in the 21st century, three dominant trends emerged: (1) the need for stronger social studies discipline; (2) an increased use of technology; and (3) the diminishing and fragmentation of social studies as a field of study. Contains 16 references. (BT)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A