The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of brain-based pre-writing strategies will improve students' abilities to support claims, with evidence, on a state mandated classroom-based assessment. Specifically, the research evaluated the working hypothesis that using brain-based, pre-writing activity in the non-fiction, expository…

The "Multiple Intelligences, Curriculum and Assessment Project" at University College Cork was a collaborative project carried out between 1995 and 1999. The key research question focused on whether Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences could be applied to, and enhance, aspects of curriculum and assessment at primary and…

States that learning is most effective when the learner has a basic understanding of established goals, when individual differences are considered, and when concept learning is enhanced by connecting first hand experiences. Advocates the use of social studies activities as a meaningful and logical way to enhance language and learning skills. (GEA)

This quasi-experimental study was designed to investigate the effects of cognitive strategy instruction on fifth-grade students reading comprehension and comprehension of words encountered during reading. Eight intact fifth-grade classes of approximately 34 students each were randomly assigned to treatment groups (clarifying, questioning, combined…

Presents an application of Hilda Taba's "Interpretation of Data Strategy" using a computer database example from the social studies. (JDH)

Argues that student comprehension difficulties are often diagnosed as reading problems, even though the problem extends to other learning skills. Considers the issue of comprehension in the context of reading, and examines aspects of the issue that extend to teacher communications. Suggest ways to help students understand social studies material.…

The purpose of this guide is to implement the teaching of "Critical Viewing: Stimulant to Critical Thinking," a guide for students. Part one of the guide is an overview of the organization, methodologies, and evaluation procedures used in "Critical Viewing." Suggestions and activities for teaching the six chapters in "Critical Viewing" are given…

Shows how to use common topics within area studies to develop important social studies skills. The example provided illustrates how to develop data analysis, data evaluation, problem solving, and map skills using the topics of bamboo and the Bhopal, India, chemical disaster. (JDH)

Investigates the potential of a keyword method extension to determine if it can be effectively combined with other mnemonic strategies that are designed to facilitate coding of numerically ordered information. Twenty references are listed. (MER)

Reports a research project with the goal of learning about the barriers to promoting higher-order thinking in high school social studies. Compares social studies departments that are successful at promoting higher-order thinking with less successful departments. Describes the technical aspects in the development and use of the 17 observational…

Asserts that children learn best and remember more when they are involved in active learning. Includes two lesson plans in which elementary students create a learning environment. Maintains that students developed a long-term interest in the topics and enjoyed the projects. (CFR)

Based on the premise that environmental education should be taught in K-12 social studies classes, this document describes the eco/studies concept of the constant interaction between natural and human designed environments. The use of a model, through which students role play as researching social scientists, is described, along with the concepts…

In this article, the author presents a case study of three fourth grade teachers in New York, a state that administers an elementary social studies test, constructed by teachers, that relies on the use of documents in the majority of its questions. Throughout the 2002-2003 school year, the three teachers were observed during every unit of social…

A problem-based learning process in a social studies teacher's classroom encourages students to use their own learning profiles to assess individual test-taking skills, develop and implement strategies to improve performance, and monitor, regulate, and evaluate the success of their adopted methods. AMSOFT computer software divides exam subtexts…

Describes how collaborative efforts between the Florida Department of Education and a private company led to a K-8 technology-based social studies curriculum. Describes the social studies content included in the primary, intermediate, and middle school years. Provides examples of how teachers might use the curriculum. (CFR)