Methods for studying the coverage of the same current news story in several newspapers are outlined. Secondary school students critically examine news reporting, detect false or propagandistic reports, and learn to weigh and judge evidence. An example using the Three Mile Island nuclear accident is provided. (KC)

Outlines method for using the newspaper in the secondary school social studies classroom by comparing coverage of a single major event in several newspapers. Students compare headline, placement, length, pictures, related stories, and editorials. An example of the Iran rescue attempt is provided. (KC)

The history and importance of the Statue of Liberty is developed into a teaching unit. Background information on how and why the statue was built is given. Sample activities for classroom use are included. (DF)

Discusses the purposes of history in the curriculum. Presents several examples of using history to explain contemporary events. Argues that historical knowledge is essential for effective citizenship in a democratic society. (CFR)

Suggests that students can learn to recognize media bias by studying media reports of current events or historical topics. Describes a study unit using media coverage of the second anniversary of the Palestinian uprising against Israel. Discusses lesson objectives, planning, defining bias teaching procedures, and criteria for determining bias. (DK)

This digest provides facts and explanations about: (1) the peoples and places of the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia- Hercegovina; (2) the collapse of Yugoslavia and the crisis in Bosnia-Hercegovina or "Bosnia"; and (3) the causes, conditions, and consequences of the Bosnian war. The history of Yugoslavia from 1918 to 1990 is…

Answers critics of the 1916 Social Studies Report. Stresses its continuity with earlier more widely favored curricular reports. Discusses the influence of James Harvey Robinson's new history with its focus on the whole of society rather than just political and military events. Urges a continuing synthesis of history and the social sciences. (DK)

Presents two activities from an "Idea Bank for Teaching Germany and Europe U.S. Classrooms K-12." Includes a role playing exercise involving significant individuals from European history and a student project involving cooperative learning about individual European nations. Provides an address for obtaining a free copy of the "Idea…

Contends that current events can be used to develop thinking skills necessary for effective history learning. Describes using daily newspapers as a source of information for historical analysis. Asserts that social studies teachers must teach students how to use the media as a goal of citizenship education. (CFR)

Explains a method for teaching current events that helps students understand an event's setting, character, vocabulary, and plot. Provides a lesson that approaches the Persian Gulf crisis as a living novel. Uses news stories for information. Includes review questions, suggested activities, and a Middle Eastern parable. (CH)

Discusses the "flashback" method of history instruction that begins with analyzing specific, current conditions and then traces their historical evolution. This method allows students to feel connected to the subject while participating in its historical investigation. Compares the "flashback" and the traditional chronological…

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…

Outlines an inservice-teacher workshop, used in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, intended for high school teachers who focus on the modern Middle East. Defines the critical thinking process it recommends: questioning assumptions, gathering information, and evaluating material. Describes small-group sessions that evaluate textbooks and news…

Outlines a sixth grade social studies project rewriting portions of outdated textbooks. Suggests steps by which students critically read, evaluate, and rewrite historical accounts of the Soviet Union to reflect recent changes. Explains how the project develops skills in evaluating information and making revisions. Emphasizes the active learning…

Based on the book, "South Africa: Time Running Out," a report of the Study Commission on U.S. Policy Toward Southern Africa, this 10-20 day unit of study is designed to help high school students learn about the history, geography, and present situation in South Africa and its relationship to the United States. The first of four sections…