Asserts that debriefing is the missing link between learning achievement and simulations in social studies. Maintains that teachers who employ computer-assisted instruction must utilize effective debriefing activities. Provides a four-step debriefing model using the computer simulation, Oregon Trail. (CFR)

Describes an informal discussion between a museum docent and a group of students visiting the museum. Compares the instructional strategies used in museum education and the regular school classroom. Concludes that students would gladly take responsibility for their own learning if textbooks and curriculum guides did not constrain them. (CFR)

Argues that global or world studies should be a key course in the secondary curriculum. Asserts that knowledge of Western culture cannot prepare students adequately for participation in an interdependent world. Describes dominant and alternative approaches to teaching world studies. (CFR)

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)

Asserts that immigration into the United States from the Caribbean region receives much less attention in the social studies curriculum than immigration from Asia and Latin America. Reviews the coverage of recent Caribbean immigration in elementary and secondary textbooks. Recommends several elementary and secondary instructional units of study.…

Reports on a year-long effort by one teacher to raise the global consciousness of students in a Canadian secondary school. Describes activities related to peace education, environmental education, and refugees. Asserts that the impact of the effort on the school persisted even after the participating students graduated. (CFR)

Maintains that children's ability to understand and use narrative precedes their ability to understand and use other genres. Asserts that the link between history and narrative is overlooked in discussions about children's historical understanding. Argues that children should use narrative. (CFR)

Asserts that when teachers pose problems that yield solutions running counter to students' perceptions, it results in enhanced student interest and motivation and improves thinking skills. Provides examples and three suggested activities for implementing the approach. (CFR)

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

Asserts that one of the most important goals of education should be to help students become responsible citizens who want to be informed about contemporary events. Recommends instructional techniques and current event issues to encourage student curiosity and involvement. Includes an annotated listing of teacher resources. (CFR)

Recounts a student teacher's first experiences in the classroom and provides helpful commentary and suggestions from a more experienced teacher. Briefly discusses classroom management, learning styles, individual needs, time constraints, assessment, and instructional materials. Includes a list of activities that help promote an atmosphere of…

Asserts that public choice theory, a perspective most closely associated with economics and political science, could be used in social studies education to provide new insights into the behavior of students and teachers. Includes a table applying public choice theory to two curriculum and instruction problems. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 124 secondary social studies teachers about the treatment of the 1991 Gulf War in their classrooms. Finds that, with few exceptions, knowledge about the war was provided by television news and other media and that students were not asked to conduct in-depth research or other critical thinking activities. (CFR)

Describes an instructional strategy combining cooperative learning in small groups with questioning techniques designed to encourage creative and critical thinking. Asserts that creativity and the ability to work cooperatively are the two workplace qualities most identified by corporations and organizations as essential for future employees. (CFR)

Analyzes data from a questionnaire addressing preservice elementary teachers' negative attitudes toward social studies. Identifies and discusses six categories of concern: negative past experiences; lack of personal interest; confusion over the nature of social studies; conflicting beliefs; topic selection; and traditional teaching styles. (MJP)