In 1976 Richard Gross surveyed state social studies specialists and local supervisors to determine the status of the social studies. To determine whether the generalizations from his study are still applicable today, a questionnaire was sent to Council of State Social Studies Specialists. Results of the two studies are compared. (RM)

Children's (ages 8-12) interactive social responses to computers were examined. Results showed that students had not considered the social implications of using another's data. When infringements of their rights to privacy took place, students demanded penalties. Students showed preference for group problem-solving strategies. (RM)

The attitudes of experienced secondary social studies teachers toward their professional and academic training were surveyed. Findings indicate that social studies teachers are not strictly products of colleges of education, and that they place considerable importance on content at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. (RM)

The driving and resisting forces of introducing computers into social studies classrooms are examined. Elementary teachers' concerns about computers, as revealed in a case study, include the need for training, how to manage computer assisted instruction, where computers should be used in the curriculum, and the need for relevant software. (RM)

Describes a recently developed test for measuring law-related attitudes among students at the junior high level and suggests ways in which teachers might employ this test in their own classrooms. The test includes all features of a satisfactory test for social studies outlined by Hunkel (1976). (Author/KC)

Provides a model National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) essay examination that teachers may use to evaluate higher-order thinking among social studies high school students. Presents a constitutional issue for students to argue positions. Reports examination results from 51 classrooms. Includes essay examples and scoring rationale.…

Reports findings of a survey, asking 1000 secondary social studies teachers to rate 36 specialist-designed reading practices. Shows teachers value and employ these techniques: (1) provide suitable materials; (2) offer instruction and guidance; (3) develop readiness through prereading; (4) encourage recitation, discussion, and comparative reading.…

Using questionnaires and the Relationship Dimension Subscales of the Classroom Environment Scale, compares attitudes of 1,174 junior high and senior high school girls and boys about social studies and social studies teachers. Finds that girls enjoy social studies more than boys when they have female teachers. Posits reasons for this finding and…

Investigates strength of national identity and degrees of democratic orientation among honors high school seniors taking advanced political science courses in 1986 in the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. Finds West German students less tolerant of minority free speech, more fearful of consequences of dissent, and less politically…

Surveyed 800 randomly selected classroom teachers who were members of the National Council for the Social Studies on the following questions: Are computers available for use in social studies classes? If available, are they used? How are they used? and What are teachers' attitudes regarding computers and the training to use them? Tables of…

Surveys the technical characteristics of 22 industry-sponsored instructional programs in economics, and identifies the objectives of economics education. Contends that the 22 concepts identified by the Joint Council on Economic Education need to be translated into a framework of learning objectives. Concludes that industry sponsored programs could…

Offers information useful to educators interested in implementing community-service programs. Provides estimates of students' participation in community service in U. S. high schools; describes the nature of the programs and students' experiences; and reports data which illustrate that the potential for influencing civic responsibility may not yet…

Contends that student motivation is a major issue for all teachers but is of particular concern for middle school social studies teachers. Reports on an interview with 18 middle school teachers and 60 middle school students on the effectiveness of strategies designed to increase motivation. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 36 U.S. teachers and 114 teachers, administrators, and students in South Africa on their knowledge and opinions of each other's culture. Finds a low level of knowledge among U.S. teachers. Discovers that neither U.S. nor South African teachers include teaching about the South African elections in their curriculum. (CFR)

Describes a study of the global orientations of 187 tenth grade students. Reports that, although students often described their communities and states in positive terms, they tended to associate social problems with the national and world spheres. Suggests that a geopolitical focus could broaden the dialogue among students, teachers, and…