Successful curriculum development in any school subject requires a clear and established set of elements: agreed and widely appreciated goals; effective criteria for the selection of important knowledge content; and an explicit and well-integrated explanatory base for authentic problem-solving related to the subject goals. The article shows that…

This volume seeks to answer the question "What history should schools teach?" It makes a case for why the teaching of history is vital, and features an interpretation of both U.S. and world history. The chapter on U.S. history is organized into 14 units that correspond to major historical eras: (1) Three Worlds Meet (1450-1600); (2) The Colonial…

The voyage of Columbus in 1492 is a turning point in world history. After 1492, people and civilizations of long-separated regions began to develop connections that have led to the incipient global community of the 1990s. It is their global significance that justifies a prominent place in today's curriculum for the four voyages of Columbus to the…

Reviews history education in Romania since the end of World War I. Focuses on the the 1970s when much emphasis was placed on a Marxist, nationalist-based approach to history. Reviews changes since 1990 and discusses difficulties in moving toward a more objective concept of historiography and pedogogy. (CFR)

Answers critics of the 1916 Social Studies Report. Stresses its continuity with earlier more widely favored curricular reports. Discusses the influence of James Harvey Robinson's new history with its focus on the whole of society rather than just political and military events. Urges a continuing synthesis of history and the social sciences. (DK)

Proposes to return narrative to a more central place in historical writing. Answers critics who complain that history texts do not properly emphasize democracy and citizenship. Suggests using narrative to tell stories students will remember while including a major theme or conclusion. Warns against overuse, wordiness, and sacrifice of human…

The guide presents suggestions for teaching Canadian history in high school, including a discussion of methodology, two schemes of class organization, unit plans, and learning activities. The objective is to explore new approaches and alternatives for teaching Canadian history. The book is presented in nine chapters. Chapter I provides background…

Summarizes the various interpretations and representations of Canadian educational history in textbooks and other scholarly publications from the last 20 years. Charts the appearance in educational history of intellectual and social history, as well as minority and feminist considerations. (MJP)

Presents the National History Standards for United States History, grades 5 through 12. Includes an overview of 10 chronological time periods. Provides student objectives and recommended learning activities. (CFR)

Discusses how Cold War ideological models provide a way to examine the U.S. role in world affairs. Discusses and compares on the writings of Paul Gagnon and Noam Chomsky on this topic. Concludes that students should stand outside both models to develop a meaningful perspective on the U.S. role during the Cold War. (CFR)

Reports on efforts to develop "Crossroads," a K-16 articulated, content-based, spiral curriculum in United States history. Discusses the historical framework underlying the curriculum. Presents the curriculum's 12-era chronology and 8 substantive themes. (CFR)