This article charts the ways in which film has been included in history education over time and the research that has accompanied this. Through an analysis of historical development, current strands of educational research are realigned according to Epstein's theory of historical perspectives. Following this, the article presents a thorough…

Progressing through schools may be challenging for some students, especially those with learning disabilities (LD). In social studies, for example, students grapple with increasingly complex texts, independent work, direct instruction, critical thinking, analysis, and other learning demands. As students transition from elementary schools where…

Social studies methods textbooks constitute a rich source of data for trends in teaching and learning. This study examined twenty secondary social studies methods texts for the instructional approaches they recommend. The researchers concluded that methods texts published over the past fifty years consistently call for pedagogical variety and…

Examines two viewpoints that secondary students can adopt when studying world people and issues. First is the insider perspective of the individual who lives and experiences a situation as a participant, and whose interpretations are subjective and practical. Second is the outsider perspective of the observer whose outlook is objective and…

Considers how elementary school classroom teachers can employ exploration methods (gathering, evaluation, and synthesis of data related to a specific topic) to help students develop readiness for intellectually complex problem solving. (Author/DB)

The purpose of the article is to expand on one kind of conceptual conflict, contradiction, to illustrate how it might be used in a junior high school educational context. Presents an example relating to concepts of evolutionary development and explains how teachers can expand on examples presented. (DB)

Explains the significance of masks in ethnographic and cultural research and suggests 24 activities intended for use by social studies classroom teachers as they teach about masks. Activities include projecting slides onto students' bodies and faces, directing students to create masks from old clothing and rags, cutting faces from magazines, and…

In this article, the author examines how the idea (and ideal) of nation continues to serve as a directive for social studies education. He proposes discussing what a critical approach to understanding nation (and the historical narratives that define nation) might look like in the classrooms and what the stakes are for social studies educators,…

Describes a simulation game suitable for junior and senior high school students in history classes. The objective of the game, entitled "War or Peace," is to help students understand that similar events can be interpreted differently by different people. An exercise in writing history follows introduction of the game, explanation of rules, and…

Evaluates the importance of oral history in the social studies classroom. Concludes that oral history makes history more human and meaningful in everyday life and that it helps students gain insights into their heritage. Tips are offered on comparing life styles among generations; using songs, legends, and myths in the classroom; and analyzing…

The topic of immigration is frequently taught in middle school classrooms as part of the history of America, for this country is indeed a "land of immigrants." Special emphasis is usually given to immigration that occurred a century or more ago, but contemporary immigration may prove to be a more compelling way to view this concept.…

The article examines due process of law and shows its relationship to the process of freedom. Explains how teachers can integrate these concepts into the social studies curriculum. (Author/DB)

Presents historical background on various winter festivals around the world including Saturnalia, Christmas, winter solstice, Yule festivals, Hannukah, Divali, and New Year's Day. Suggests how teachers can help elementary school students understand their own culture by studying these and other festivals using maps, mobiles, discussion, and reading…

Enumerates ways in which social studies classroom teachers can increase student interest in American history by incorporating studies of ethnic groups at various points in history into the curriculum. (DB)

Chronicles the growth of oral history since 1948 and describes several classroom projects using the oral/aural technique. Projects focus on oral war accounts, an oral history of local businesses, and oral validity in history. (Author/DB)