Compares results of the Barth Shermis Social Studies Preference Scale given to groups of preservice teachers in five countries over several years. Reports that social studies has evolved through three patterns of teaching citizenship education: citizenship transmission, social science, and reflective inquiry. Concludes that teachers are confused…

Explores a definition, rationale, and goals for developing responsible citizenship through the social studies curriculum. Goals include: gaining knowledge, processing information, considering the importance of values and beliefs, and actively participating as citizens of a democracy. Concludes that teaching social studies with a clear, consistent…

The nature and meaning of "problem" as it is used in the social sciences is examined. The effect of various definitions of the term on curriculum development and content is discussed. (MJB)

The arguments put forth in the 1930s against indoctrination in American education from the standpoints of the social reconstructionists and of the followers of the Bode-Hullfish position are presented. The only viable alternative to indoctrination was seen to be the study of social problems. These views continue to shape classroom practice. (RM)

Different concepts of the terms problem, problem solving, and social problem have created philosophical confusion in the social studies movement. The three approaches in social studies history--social science, citizenship transmission, and reflective inquiry--exemplify the incompatibility of the terms. A brief examination of the history of social…

Compares selected United States history and civics textbooks from the 19th century with textbooks written from 1960 to 1980. Findings from this comparison indicated that despite differences in size and emphasis, stress and artistic appearance, United States history and civics texts of the present are essentially what they have always…

Discusses integration of computer-based technology into the social studies curriculum. Suggests that the developmental nature of computer integration into instruction makes quantitative hardware-based technology standards unworkable. Recommends the integration of computers into the curriculum in stages based on the degree of training of teachers…

Describes the Botswana experience with social studies, dividing the discussion into three historical periods. Discusses the aims of education in Botswana as being the promotion of democratic principles, national development, self reliance, and social harmony. Maintains that social studies is crucial to citizenship education and nation building.…

Traces early twentieth-century educational reforms that created the social studies as a field to restructure information into knowledge and promote citizenship. Presents the National Council for the Social Studies' skill objectives. Argues the social studies, although firmly based in social criticism, must still evolve to adequately address the…

Reviews James Barth, Robert Barr, and Sam Shermis'"The Nature of the Social Studies" in retrospect. Contends the book identified the need to establish and clarify the foundations of social studies, despite criticism of its three social studies traditions theory (citizenship transmission, social science, and reflective inquiry). Argues…

Asserts educators have argued about meaning and purpose of social studies since the field's inception in the early 1900s. Contends that reform efforts associated with the America 2000 program focus on teaching factual information from history and geography. Maintains that the proper content of social studies must be persistent and contemporary…

Social studies is a unique subject because it has the potential to bring about significant social change. Social studies educators can serve as change agents because they are in a position to design the nature of the social studies taught in the schools. A case study of the historical context through which social studies evolved in the United…

Contends that citizenship education has become a political agenda rather than an educational concern. Argues that the national standards movement is fueled by opponents of multicultural education, global education, and an integrated social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Contends that student alienation cannot be solved by improved instructional methodology or curriculum content reform. Argues that the citizenship education goals of social studies cannot be taught effectively because societal values do not support schools or teachers. Provides five suggestions on policies that might address these issues. (CFR)