This article presents an educational programme designed to explore the multicultural history of Poland. Targeting Jewish and non-Jewish students of Polish heritage, the "Polonia Programme" (PP) was conceptualised with the aim of applying the tools of experiential education to initiate a new approach to examining one of the world's most…

Far more than just recreation, baseball offers social, cultural, and political insights into history. For teachers, the goals of this article are threefold. First, this narrative is designed to provide the introductory content knowledge needed to develop a colorful lecture, structure a spirited discussion, or create a student project on the topic.…

As a graduate instructor for HIST 152: United States Since 1877, the author structures the entire course around the motif of the newspaper. She models her curriculum after the newspaper both visually and symbolically and uses it as a theme throughout the class. The newspaper is not a gimmick or cliche, but rather a recurring stylistic theme, an…

PowerPoint arouses many strong feelings, but the debate over the popular program typically pits advocates against detractors: fewer people discuss "how" PowerPoint should best be used in the classroom. Howard Strauss of Princeton University has observed that "a lot of the stuff that people try to do in smart classrooms is done badly," but…

Describes the content for community college history courses that meet the needs of the students by focusing on the educational aids; affective teaching techniques, such as using period music or an anecdotal story; and student outreach. Includes a lecture outline and hints for writing essays. (CMK)

No sensible historian would argue that using images in history lectures is a pedagogical waste of time. All people seem to accept the idea that visual elements (paintings, photographs, films, maps, charts, etc.) enhance the retention of historical information and add greatly to student enjoyment of the subject. However, there seems to be very…

Although research has demonstrated that the well-planned use of audio-visual (AV) media enhances student learning, classroom use of media is usually confined to sporadic, individual presentations which serve only as an auxiliary to the lecture and which are too often regarded by the student as entertainment. To realize the potential of AV media…

Maintains that the lecture method in history can still function as an effective means of instruction if approached with a critical perspective. Outlines creative and engaging approaches for the history lecture and specific suggestions for organization, delivery, and content coverage. (MJP)

Discusses the role of the historian and the purposes of history teaching. Stresses teaching methods and outlines six ways to enhance instruction for beginning teachers. Analyzes curriculum and raises objections to the concept of a core curriculum and emphasizes the importance of studying history. (RW)

Discusses the use of technology to teach middle school social studies and history. Explores how technology can be used to address experiential learning styles by applying constructivist principles, while Microsoft PowerPoint presentations can enrich teacher-centered approaches and reach verbal, kinesthetic, and visual learning styles. Describes a…

Illustrates how technology can change the university atmosphere through two scenarios set in the years of 1998 and 2006 in which Jack Reynolds, an associate professor, proceeds through his day; by the year 2006, he encounters new situations, materials, and classroom settings as a result of adequate technological resources. (CMK)

Argues that the fragmentary nature of mass media has made students suspicious of the traditional lecture format. Recommends that history teachers incorporate questions concerning source material and knowledge (e.g. How do I know this?) into their presentations. Suggests a number of activities and texts that can be used to involve students in…