Discusses a study undertaken to determine how 12 elementary school classroom teachers planned social studies curriculum. Topics discussed include planning processes, influences of planning on the curriculum, and implications of the study. Findings indicated that planning does not necessarily follow the objectives-first model taught in many…

Offers an "outsider's perspective" on social education by someone who worked in other subfields of education before entering social studies. Discusses problems in social education, for example, the paucity of research in the field and the lack of perceived importance of social education. (DSK)

Suggests reassessment of research methods, strategies, and aims relevant to curricular/instructional decision making in the social studies. Limitations include the lack of clear-cut implications of findings for practice and the lack of cumulative findings relevant to the real life of the school. (Author/KC)

Asserts that social studies practitioners and researchers often misinterpret their history as an extension of the present. Discusses issues and progress in the small, but growing, field of research into the history of social studies education. Concludes that the field's history has been neglected. (CFR)

Examines peace education at the elementary school level, stressing the need to include interpersonal and international relations when teaching peace. Suggests peace education can lead children to prosocial behavior. Sees peace as a positive of being. Urges the infusion of peace education throughout the elementary social studies curriculum. (CH)

Asserts that, for citizens in a democracy to understand and act upon complex societal issues, they must be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of subjects. Traces the history of interdisciplinary social studies education and examines arguments of its supporters and detractors. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the impact of a transformative curriculum in social studies among 96 11th-grade students in a New York City high school. Illustrates problems teachers face when they assume that students are making the intellectual connections expected of them. (CFR)

Contends collective cooperative action in the public interest will be necessary to solve future social and environmental problems. Proposes that the social studies curriculum shift its value orientation from individualistic self-interest to a justice-based, global model. Advocates teaching citizenship that stresses self-restraint and investigates…

Discusses how Cold War ideological models provide a way to examine the U.S. role in world affairs. Discusses and compares on the writings of Paul Gagnon and Noam Chomsky on this topic. Concludes that students should stand outside both models to develop a meaningful perspective on the U.S. role during the Cold War. (CFR)