Reviews the history and development of the "Our Working World" elementary textbook series, an example of the New Social Studies reform movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Describes the Organic Curriculum, which integrated the fundamental ideas of five social science disciplines. Maintains that implementing the K-6 program all at once was an…

Recounts a criminology class exercise that consisted of staging a mock trial using the murders from Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" as source material. Students research the case and role play various lawyers, jury members, and witnesses. Identifies and discusses four educational objectives attainable through the staging of mock trials. (MJP)

Asserts that the development of abstract knowledge and critical thinking skills has been extolled as a primary goal of education. Reviews research in problem solving and other educational endeavors. Maintains that learning abstract solution principles is enhanced when instruction is accompanied by examples illustrating those principles. (ACM)

Provides a critical commentary on issues facing fieldwork in undergraduate geography programs. Issues are structured around five key themes: aims and objectives, skill acquisition, relationship to other areas of curricula, fieldwork delivery, and fieldwork management. Encourages new perspectives and approaches in geography fieldwork. (MJP)

Argues that recent changes in higher education in the United Kingdom make the traditional mode of fieldwork delivery unsustainable. This, coupled with criticisms of past fieldwork practices, suggests a need for a thorough re-evaluation of the role and implementation of fieldwork programs. Briefly reviews educational theories concerning fieldwork.…

Asserts that economics education is a desirable goal for the elementary curriculum because elementary students can learn and understand economic concepts. Reviews four "Teaching-Learning Principles" based on empirical research about learning effectiveness. Applies these principles to economic concepts such as scarcity, cost-benefit analysis, and…

Examines the nature and purpose of fieldwork in geographical education. Contrasts traditional geography education (small number of students, faculty led fieldwork) with "new" education (vast increase in students coupled with a decrease in education funding). These changes are unsettling but offer opportunities for innovation. (MJP)

Provides a step-by-step process for designing effective and interesting simulations. Explains and gives examples for the four steps: defining teaching goals, constructing the simulation, running the simulation, and debriefing. Asserts that simulations develop critical thinking and other skills. Examines possible means of assessment. (MJP)

Asserts that the nature and components of fieldweek (a week-long field program common to United Kingdom undergraduate geography) are adaptable to current educational changes and needs. These programs emphasize problem solving, real-world experience, and transferable skills. Briefly examines successful programs in Belgium and the Netherlands. (MJP)

Reports results of a survey of 36 college students who played the Commons Game. This game was developed to illustrate the behavioral patterns, complexities, and frustrations involved in management of commons resources, cited as a major concern for future generations. (10 references) (MCO)

Asserts that the pedagogical approach proposed by Friedrich Froebel in the 1930s can be found in the Art National Curriculum in England. Describes the Art National Curriculum and links it to Froebel's integrated and sequenced approach to curriculum development and instruction. (CFR)

Discusses the role of citizenship education from the post-World War II period to the present. Finds that social studies teachers may not be providing students with participatory experiences such as community projects, even though research indicates that these activities encourage civic participation. (CFR)