Briefly recounts social studies curriculum change efforts from 1955 through the late 1970s. Addresses three key questions: why has the traditional social studies curriculum endured despite serious reform challenges, what aspects of social studies are least/most amenable to change, and which change strategies offer most/least promise of being…

Maintains that the national reform efforts, termed "the new social studies," failed to involve parents and teachers in curriculum revisions, violated norms of local schools, and lacked significant dissemination efforts. Provides two vignettes of significant local social studies change and offers three "lessons" which we've…

Describes the development of a fifth-grade social studies program, Man: A Course of Study, or MACOS. Discusses how the program strengths and shortcomings, those of the educational reform movement of the 1960s, influence today's educational reform. Suggests that the role of scholars, the participation of teachers, and the use of media are valuable…

Defines "Theme Study" with three essential elements: use of broad, powerful ideas; inquiry-based approaches to curricula; and a community of inquiry of students and teacher. Shares experiences in applying these elements and discusses essential aspects of classroom instruction. (DSK)

Outlines a participatory approach to social studies education called "skills-in-living." This approach defines schooling and classroom work not as preparation for life, but life itself and emphasizes the application of social science concepts and generalizations to the real life decision-making, participation, communication, interaction skills of…

The six stages of citizenship development through which a child passes from the time of birth are discussed, and the teaching methods and curriculum for citizenship education that are appropriate at the various levels are described. (RM)

Suggests that the Judeo-Arabic heritage might play a potential role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Proposes a course of instruction that can be used at the secondary and college levels and is designed to aid teachers in learning and teaching about Judeo-Arabic heritage. Contends that students benefit from analyzing complex historical issues.…

Criticizes schooling for showing student progress toward developing questioning skills. Suggests that a student-centered classroom can give students the freedom to ask substantive questions and empower them to control their own learning. Describes how student questions can be utilized in the classroom. Urges teachers to avoid imposing knowledge on…

Geographers need to consider the logical relationship of their discipline to other disciplines, particularly the social sciences. In so doing they will inevitably emerge with a more viable concept of their crumbling discipline, one which should help them formulate normative proposals for curriculum reform. (RM)

Discusses the rationale for cooperative learning and examines the teacher's role in creating groups. Provides examples of cooperative learning experiences in an integrated unit and as applied to computer education. Lists the advantages of using cooperative learning, while noting its pitfalls. Cautions that cooperative learning should be used in…

Argues that economic education is an integral component of social studies and citizenship education. Maintains that adolescents are more likely to believe that one's life is controlled by fate rather than conscious choices. Asserts that teaching economic reasoning can improve students' critical thinking skills and citizenship education. (CFR)

Maintains that the nature and role of geography within social studies has been a major area of debate since 1916. Asserts that geography relies too heavily on rote memorization of facts and neglects geographic thinking. Contends that geography teachers share the blame for this and must change their teaching and evaluation methods. (CFR)

Identifies existing problems in the area of social studies education, focusing especially on those generated by the lack of a universally accepted teaching philosophy in the field. Describes a teaching model by which students learn to be internally oriented, experience self-motivated instruction in a democratic classroom, and thereby learn social…

Maintains that criticism of the history National Standards (from educators and historians, not the conservative media) has been unspecific and poorly focused. Argues that standards, by their definition, are exclusionary. Questions the attempt to develop critical thinking at an early age. (MJP)

Defends the history National Standards as an excellent and inclusive guide to the broad topics and themes appropriate to a U. S. history course. Nonetheless, characterizes the Standards as pedagogically conservative. Recommends an alternative approach emphasizing critical thinking and interdisciplinary instruction. (MJP)