Critical literacy is an appropriate learning outcome for social studies courses because it has the potential to teach students how to critically evaluate sources of information relevant to historical texts and current news media. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to examine the process through which students learned to apply critical…

Understanding the pressing need for humans to limit their consumption to more supportable levels, this study investigated how one social studies teacher taught the social issues associated with a sustainable food supply. This article discusses what the teacher's curricular, pedagogical, and assessment strategies were in engaging students with…

This media literacy article introduces a questioning framework for analyzing screen media with students and provides an example analysis of two contemporary commercials. Investigating screen conventions can help students understand the persuasive functions of commercials, as well as how the unique sensory experience of screen viewing affects how…

The article discusses how a social science teacher can successfully use the political cartoon in the classroom. (Author/RM)

Several examples are presented to illustrate possible methods for unobtrusively evaluating outcomes of problem-solving-oriented social studies learning. Evaluation techniques such as observation, interviewing, checklists, and self-awareness exercises are explained. (Author/JR)

Eighteen ways to informally evaluate cognitive objectives are discussed: grafitti walls; newspapers; card sorts; crossword puzzles; visualizing; debates; audio-visual narratives; ABC lists; concept trees; mini textbooks; incomplete charts; brainstorming; checking guides; logs and journals; drama; manipulative events; student-made tests; student…

Provides a comprehensive overview of methods integrating portfolio assessment into middle and high school social studies. Discusses specific interrelationships between instructional styles and portfolio assessment. Outlines tips for creating a portfolio, suggests relevant topics, and provides evaluative criteria. (MJP)

Presents statements and questions which outline qualitative and quantitative standards for student projects and performances. These checklists can be developed for decision-making plans, speeches, presentations, reports, letters of complaint plus any number of creative projects. (KC)

Queens College has a program for mentoring undergraduate preservice teachers. In this article, the author reports the students' comments on a variety of topics related to social studies. Many of their opinions are colored by their concerns about high-stakes testing and how it will affect their teaching plans. When asking the participants in the…

Presents a technique by which educators or laymen can measure textbooks' treatment of various population groups. Also reviews textbook evaluation methods developed by the National Education Association and the Council on Interracial Books for Children. (AV)

Questions designed for student evaluation in a U.S. history course combine the features of both an objective and essay test. (DE)

Asserts that debriefing is the missing link between learning achievement and simulations in social studies. Maintains that teachers who employ computer-assisted instruction must utilize effective debriefing activities. Provides a four-step debriefing model using the computer simulation, Oregon Trail. (CFR)

Until recently, little attention has been paid to the language and academic needs of English as a second language (ESL) students in the social studies classroom. In the most recent review and one of the few written on social studies texts and instruction, Short (1998) found that ESL students do not receive the language and academic support they…

Discusses the importance of assessing instructional programs by looking objectively at the interrelated factors of student performance, teacher performance, and program effectiveness to determine their relationship to the achievement of goals. Suggests methods that teachers can use to assess whether social studies activities and materials have…

Examines the ways in which computers can assist teachers in developing good tests. Describes the program TESTWORKS in detail and provides charts comparing this program with 11 others in the areas of price, type of questions generated, computer functions, and the usefulness of each. Discusses the use of word processors and databases. (KO)