Describes relations between the early colonists in Virginia and the Powhatan Indians. Argues that, in any exploration of intercultural relationships, one must recognize the impact and importance of native initiative. Suggests that the ethnohistorical perspective requires sensitivity to the cultural integrity of natives' decisions and the effects…

Describes an undergraduate history course based on the television miniseries, "Winds of War." Discusses problems faced by the instructors and additional requirements of the course that provided a firm historical foundation for the film. Recommends use of televised motion pictures as a superior means of generating student interest in…

Discusses the treatment of Gypsies and the handicapped by Nazi Germany. Emphasizes that Gypsy populations were decimated in the same percentages as the Jews. Presents information and dates to show parallel developments of racial regulations against Jews, Gypsies, and the handicapped. Urges further research and historiography on the fate of Gypsies…

Discusses the importance of television in history and citizenship education in Soviet schools. Describes studies dealing with the effects of mass communications media on the educational process. Urges the integration of subject matter conveyed to students via television with that acquired in the classroom to foster development of theoretical…

Discusses teaching styles exhibited by two different history teachers. Describes both teaching styles as epistemological representations, although one consists of a passive approach while the other employs active teacher involvement. Stresses each teacher's use of primary sources to help students see both sides of issues and critically analyze…

Defines assessment as finding out where the problems are in a program for the purpose of eliminating them. Presents a method for developing a formal assessment plan in history including principles of assessment, program goals, and objectives. Suggests determining what is already done and what further assessment methods are desired. (DK)

Describes the development of a history assessment test by Northeast Missouri State University (Kirksville) faculty. Discusses content, problems with design and cooperation, and theories of assessment testing. Includes sample questions demonstrating the cube plan, a technique that involves using a single question to measure three learning…

Discusses the lack of teacher training provided for teaching assistants in history departments. Argues that emphasis on research and publication is misplaced because most new Ph.D.s will be teaching rather than publishing. Urges teacher training to prepare graduate students for their chosen profession and to improve undergraduate education. (DK)

Discusses the development of public history as a field. Presents results of a survey of members of the National Council on Public History describing employment opportunities and career choices available. Suggests conferences, videos, and books to be used in teaching students about public history. Urges recognition of public historians'…

Describes the problem of absence of evidence in historiography. Discusses the limits this lack of evidence poses for comparative studies by sociologists. Identifies steps in which events or evidence may be missed or passed over. Includes nonoccurrence, no surviving evidence, unlocated evidence, failure to note evidence, inaccurate criticism of…

Presents an analysis of the portrayal of Christopher Columbus in writings about U.S. history. Suggests that most scholars would agree with Justin Winsor's 1892 portrayal of Columbus. Criticizes the controversy surrounding the explorer's first North American voyage. Concludes that current scholarship may give future generations a more accurate view…

Discusses scholarly criticism and media coverage of the controversy surrounding the effects of Christopher Columbus' voyages upon the Americas. Examines the reactions of some writers to some scholars' negative portrayals of Columbus. Argues that schools should continue to be the place for respectful study of the explorer. (SG)

Presents a National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) position paper on Christopher Columbus' influence upon the Americas. Suggests that educators should help students comprehend the contemporary relevance of 1492. Examines such topics as the roles of Africa and Asia in the age of exploration and the realities of the pre-Columbian Americas.…

Suggests using primary sources such as diaries and folk songs in history instruction to broaden the textbook portrayal of history. Recommends the establishment of centers throughout the United States with access to library resources. Identifies some existing centers. Includes an appendix on folk songs and history in the classroom. (SG)

Suggests a method for teaching history as a means of exposing students to and enabling them to internalize historical definitions, theories, and uses. Lists topics that should be discussed in an introductory unit on the nature of history. Includes an appendix setting out a schedule of themes for the unit. (SG)