How can teachers effectively use documentary film to teach history, and toward what goals? This article addresses these important questions by: (1) exploring what we know about secondary teachers' practices with documentary film and secondary students' beliefs about documentary film as a source of knowledge about the past, (2) proposing a…

This article discusses how fictional works can give a purposeful context and an appropriate venue for developing essential social studies concepts in middle-school students. The author uses the example of a National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) notable book, "Jason's Gold" that blends history with story to become historical…

A primary concern of teachers should be teaching students to value, to intellectually understand, and critically appraise values of three types: procedural, behavioral, substantive. (Author/SE)

Elementary children can be introduced to the historical processes of evaluating and interpreting materials within the existing curriculum. Activities for teachers and students are suggested. (AM)

Claims that social studies classroom teachers have a responsibility to teaching writing skills as well as content. Offers a five stage instructional strategy as a means of helping students improve their writing. Stages are gathering information, classroom discussion, writing assignments, peer assessment, and writing a model paragraph. (DB)

Statements by proponents of the new'' social studies are examined. A perspective is developed from which there may be choices among goals, methods, curriculum materials, and approaches to value issues in teaching social studies. (SM)

Urges that younger students can and will learn about the law if a simplified but credible version of the law is presented to them. An appropriate version of the law would emphasize principles of conduct which are socially acceptable and constructive. Activities are suggested, including field trips, learning centers, and learning activity packets.…

Notes how laboratory experiences can help elementary school social studies pupils understand concepts such as cultural awareness, career education, advertising techniques, map and globe skills, music, transportation, and landforms. For each concept, information is presented on objectives, activities within a laboratory setting, and evaluation…

How students in the primary, middle, and secondary grades can be made aware of architectural developments is discussed, specific objectives for studying a historic site are identified, and some structures important in historic studies are listed. (RM)

The complete lesson enables the teacher to relate teaching strategies to levels of cognitive behavior, and stems from the belief that higher levels of cognitive behavior are developed only after a learner first acquires information and then puts that information to use. (Author)

Considers how elementary school classroom teachers can employ exploration methods (gathering, evaluation, and synthesis of data related to a specific topic) to help students develop readiness for intellectually complex problem solving. (Author/DB)

Suggests approaches and strategies for teaching about global interdependence in elementary and secondary schools. Also provides an example of a junior high school lesson about the United States and its future relationship with Mexico. Students construct a futures wheel and displays showing trade agreements, travel exchanges, and economic and…

Describes an innovative teaching approach used in an undergraduate political science course on the American presidency. Procedures and objectives for centering the course on a press conference theme are presented. Information is also presented on course evaluation and student motivation. (DB)

Presents teacher background, Decision-making exercises for students, description of the teacher's role, and references for a United states history unit on the Boston Massacre. (DB)

One technique particularly worthy of possible inclusion in the secondary social studies methods class is an assignment in which students interview practicing social studies teachers. In addition to obtaining more insight into actual teaching practice, methods students learn about interviewing as a social studies teaching method. A course is…