The new social studies curriculum has a vibrant emphasis with in-depth teaching rather than survey procedures. In-depth teaching stresses the importance of pupils understanding concepts and generalizations more thoroughly than was true formerly. Rote learning and memorization are things of the past unless they are truly vital in ongoing lessons…

Quality sequence in the social studies is of utmost importance. Sequence emphasizes "when" selected concepts should be stressed in ongoing lessons and units of study. The social studies teacher needs to observe pupils carefully in teaching and learning situations to ascertain suitable, ordered experiences for pupils. Pupils face frustration if the…

Three valuable approaches to utilize in improving the social studies curriculum may be to develop resource units, teaching units, and lesson plans. Resource units contain a collection of more objectives, learning activities, evaluation techniques, and bibliographical entries than can possibly be used by a given teacher for a particular classroom…

This paper argues that religion should be taught as a separate class in the public schools. Reasons for teaching religion include: (1) religious believes affect human behavior in strong observable ways; (2) churches abound in number throughout the United States; (3) different religions tend to teach a somewhat common core of values while values…

A discussion of geography's place in the curriculum and suggested methods for teaching geography are presented in this paper. Geography may be included in the curriculum in a variety of ways, such as infusing it throughout the curriculum or designing an integrated curriculum with geography as the core. Principles of learning derived from…

The social studies curriculum should be assessed continuously to bring in the latest research, trends, and recommendations of experts. A survey of teachers, administrators, parents, and other community members may be conducted to determine preferences for the curriculum. An effort should be made to decide what is in the curriculum and what should…

This paper suggests that leadership is needed to assist teachers in doing an excellent job of teaching social studies. The principal or supervisor must provide the necessary leadership. This leader needs to observe teaching and learning situations frequently in the classroom setting. Teaching suggestions are provided by the leader to teachers so…

Social studies curricula should include units on the Old Order Amish and the Hutterites. The author outlines the life styles and beliefs of each group, stressing their independence from the national society and their interdependence within their own communities. (AV)

Contains generalizations about the Old Order Amish which can be translated into general and specific objectives for a social studies unit on minority groups in the United States. (CM)

Types of elementary social studies curricula can be categorized according to the amount of subject integration included in each approach. Individual subjects such as history, geography, or economics may be presented as separate and distinct, or these descriptives may be integrated fully within the presentation of social studies materials. Faculty…

Four issues concerning the social studies curriculum are raised and discussed in this paper. The first addresses the matter of scope in the curriculum. It is recommended that the student be the focal point in determining scope. Next, it is asked whether the goal of social studies should be that of preparing students for life or of helping students…

Since the world is "shrinking" in size due to better transportation and communication, it is important for students to study world issues in the social studies. Problems on the world scene make it imperative that pupils have the requisite understandings, skills, and attitudes to engage in problem-solving activities in the classroom. Teachers,…

Designed for use in preservice and inservice teacher education courses, this document focuses on the development of social studies curriculum. Chapter 1 provides information about recent trends in elementary level social studies. The value and development of resource and teaching units and lesson plans are emphasized in chapter 2, while chapter 3…

Emphasizing the use of computers to achieve educational objectives, the three essays in this collection utilize the principles of learning, schools of thought in educational psychology, and guidance from a study of the philosophy of education to provide a framework relevant for the use of computers in developing the curriculum. The first essay,…

This report provides important criteria for the effective teaching of community college English. The following suggestions are presented to instructors in order to facilitate optimal student learning in college English courses: (1) present content in a meaningful manner, with emphasis on clarifying relevant facts, concepts, and generalizations;…