Contends that teachers assign essay writing to help students improve their critical thinking skills. Discusses six criteria of a well-written history essay. Includes a five-essay assignment strategy, designed to be implemented over the course of an academic year, to help students improve essay research and writing. (CFR)

Asserts that most high school students are novices at historical research and have difficulty formulating a research question. Maintains that historical fiction can give students background and serve as a springboard for research projects. Provides a 15-item annotated bibliography of recommended novels. (CFR)

This summary of social studies/social science education doctoral dissertations provides a reference work of use to students, educators, researchers, and others interested in the topics, methods, outcomes, and patterns of recent graduate dissertations. Following an analytical introduction which describes the topics and problems most frequently…