Social skills play a central role in shaping individuals who are able to adapt and contribute to society. This article analyzes the comparative social studies curriculum in Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway and Sweden), focusing on how students' social skills are developed through their approach to learning. The research method used is a…

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of map skills studies conducted for secondary school students on students' academic success and to synthesize research findings. For this purpose, the results of the experimental studies were analyzed in the research by meta-analysis method. Studies within the scope of the research were survey…

Evaluates the amount of instructional time which is devoted to map reading and other geographic skills during social studies classes in elementary school. Identifies stages which pupils pass through as they learn to draw maps. Suggests that map experiences be integrated into the curriculum so that children can better accomplish map-related tasks.…

Presents a rationale for combining content mastery with skill development in social studies. Also provides tips to social studies classroom teachers on planning more systematically, selecting materials for skill development using specific content, stimulating a sense of intellectual achievement, and planning pupil activities which allow students…

Enumerates reasons why social studies skills are essential and provides evidence to show that these skills are not currently being properly taught in most social studies classrooms. Explains how current events can be used to exemplify map and globe skills and can involve students in using newspapers, listening and reading skills, recognizing bias,…

Explains why critical thinking/reading skills are important within the context of social studies and presents information about assessing critical reading skills. (DB)

Stresses the importance of recognizing bias in written language (often referred to as critical thinking/reading) and suggests activities to help elementary school social studies teachers improve their bias recognition skills. A multiple choice quiz is presented in which teachers are directed to analyze bias in quotations from newspapers and social…

Outlines 10 types of skills which are essential to social studies teaching, suggests strategies for teaching these skills, and illustrates principles which can aid social studies classroom teachers as they plan learning activities for skill development. (DB)

Explains why educators need to utilize the writing process as a teaching tool in the social studies. The article also examines research on creative writing and language development and suggests guidelines for developing writing assignments to improve student skills and content master. (DB)

Reviews research on critical thinking skills within social studies programs and concludes that critical thinking will probably not occur as a consequence of regular classroom instruction. Presents an example of a critical thinking exercise which is based on a radio broadcast. (Author/DB)

Explores reasons for the current ineffectiveness of moral education and offers an alternative perspective on the proper purpose and methods for moral education. This ideal moral education is based primarily on the belief that social interactions during childhood are highly significant in the development of morality and on the functionalist…

Suggests an interview approach which junior high and high school social studies teachers can use to increase the interest level of students in history classes. It is suggested that the teacher role play an historical figure. Objectives of the exercise are to make history come alive, teach the basic principles of the oral history interview, and…

This paper examines the use of the computer as a mediating device and explores its influence on the social studies curriculum. A variety of software uses are analyzed, including drill and practice, tutorials, computerized databases, and simulations. The possible effects these uses can have are examined in terms of two views of social studies…

Describes and illustrates three instructional strategies that can help students learn social studies concepts and develop skills in conceptualization and reading comprehension. (Author/DB)

This paper explores research on problem solving and suggests a problem-solving approach to elementary school social studies, using a culture study of the ancient Egyptians and King Tut as a sample unit. The premise is that problem solving is particularly effective in dealing with problems which do not have one simple and correct answer but rather…