Describes a history project that was used to teach students in grades one through six data interpretation and other methods of the historian. (AM)

A substantial amount of research and curriculum development completed over the past 2 decades can be used to improve the teaching of U.S. history to young children. This digest discusses: (1) insights from recent research; (2) insights from recent curriculum development; and (3) connections of research to curriculum development. The digest…

Describes materials in a kit assembled by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) that can be used to revitalize the teaching of Roman history and as a model for teaching about ancient history in general. The author also suggests a new approach, concepts, and topics that should be used in teaching Roman history. (AM)

Discusses the use of fine arts as sources to enrich the study of history. Suggests that such works will serve as barometers of change, examples of cross-cultural influences, and political messages. Includes suggestions of works and artists from different historic periods. (DK)

This course outline and bibliography on Peru during the middle years of the nineteenth century includes general works in English and Spanish. Entries are organized chronologically and focus on a variety of topics, including efforts to modernize society, the large unassimilated Indian population, geographic isolation, economic problems, militarism,…

Urges that history be based on sound historical scholarship. Suggests that the most important key to good history is provided by well-trained history teachers who understand the dynamic nature of historical inquiry and help students develop a critical perspective of the past. Recognizes that women and minorities have been significant actors in…

Defends the Bradley Commission on History in Schools' and the National Commission on Social Studies' recommendations that history should be the basis of social studies instruction. Discusses claims that such an approach is ideologically conservative and unsupported by research. Addresses the suggestion that the study of social problems is the…

This paper presents the position of the Organization of History Teachers (OHT) regarding the development of national history standards by the National Standards Project. The OHT position suggests that the Project should recognize that standards aiming for excellence in precollege history teaching require changes in the education of teachers, the…

Describes resources used to teach local history at the third-grade level in El Cajon, California. The content of the resources is described as well as the methods used to develop the resources. (AM)

Describes history's curriculum role as it fell from a status of prominence in the 1890s to one of unimportance, submerged in social studies. Notes that history is again becoming an important curriculum area. Suggests that the resurgence of history education is the result of history educators' focus on what to teach and exciting teaching methods.…

Lists eight entries in the ERIC database that concern Christopher Columbus and the effects of his voyages on world history. Includes works on curriculum development, biological effects of the contact, and a bibliography of books for children. Explains how to find and obtain the materials. (DK)

Discusses recent changes in history and geography instruction in the French lycees. Explains that France's National Ministry of Education plans to move teaching about World War II to an earlier year and apply a geopolitical approach to instruction in general. Notes that the Association of Teachers of History and Geography opposes the changes. (SG)

This essay suggests that helping people learn any subject better is a job for everybody who teaches that subject, from preschool to Ph.D. To do the job well at any level requires knowing what teachers and students at all the other levels need to do, and need to have done for them, subject by subject. Most educators have ignored the seamless nature…

An integrative model was used to introduce undergraduates to public history at the University of Northern Iowa. The model extracts a series of skills, methods, and techniques from the eight areas of public history that most public historians use. Reading assignments for each series are included. (AM)

Argues that the inclusion of literary texts in social science courses can strengthen both pedagogy and interest. Illustrates how the addition of literary texts can raise cultural and historical consciousness in a course on the Vietnam War. Provides suggestions for using Western and non-Western literature to provide a balanced view of the Vietnam…