Reiterates the appropriateness and validity of using student journals in social studies instruction. Differentiates between personal and content area journals, the latter focusing on responses to issues raised in the classroom and readings. Maintains that journal writing increases critical and metacognitive thinking. (MJP)

Questions how the goal of participatory citizenship can be taught within the typical classroom environment. Argues that the hidden curriculum, textbooks, and instructional methods do not provide opportunities to see citizenship in action or ways to practice it. Recommends providing students with choices and opportunities for engagement in some…

Criticizes the use of map coloring as an activity for teaching geography. Acknowledges that many teachers use it because it was how they were taught. Argues that children are inherently interested in geography and can be taught geographic skills in elementary school if the materials are presented well prepared. (DSK)

Expounds on two headline articles from the "Edmonton Journal" (Canada) that prompted the columnist to reflect on the history of the textbook in social studies. The two articles refer to politically motivated editing of history texts in Hong Kong and Japan. Urges history teachers to teach history "the way it happened." (DSK)

Advocates adapting the structural and pedagogical principles of whole language learning to social studies instruction. Specifically recommends focusing on the meaning of citizenship instead of its component parts, allowing students to make choices, and connecting citizenship education to developmental growth. Briefly discusses approaches to avoid.…

Critiques a survey of Canadian citizens' civics knowledge for its "Trivial Pursuit" style of questions and the conclusions drawn from the results by the survey sponsors. Argues that a responsible democratic citizenry must display higher cognitive skills than factual recall and that these skills are not measured by the survey. (DSK)