This paper demonstrates how to design an instructional process aimed at teaching general methods of thinking, using the Landamatics theory and methodology. Landamatics is not a collection of lesson plans, but rather a general method of approaching the design of any effective course of instruction or any lesson plan. The method formulates general…

The study evaluated the consistency of goodness-of-example ratings by 27 orientation and mobility (OM) instructors for photographs depicting five environmental concepts (curb, hallway, intersection, shoreline, sidewalk). Results, which were highly consistent across raters, are discussed in relation to design instructional and directions for future…

The purpose of this paper is to explore techniques for helping students to develop concepts and generalizations. The author presents three models (Taba, DeCecco, and Fenton) for concept development, and concludes with a discussion of the taxonomy approach, the single concept technique, and the paragraph technique. (KC)

The reasons people most often give for the failures of U.S. schools involve poverty, racial inequality, and a host of social problems. This paper argues that even if all these conditions were remedied, the schools would not produce many more people with the ability to think than they do today. Teachers, who are usually able to think, do not know…

This paper demonstrates a method for constructing long variables using items that elicit partically correct responses across ages. Long variables may be defined by students at different ages (year levels) attempting common items within a test containing other items considered to be appropriate for each age or year level. A developmental model of…

The teacher of mathematics or science must be aware of the concepts, facts, and generalizations of his field, of psychological principles of learning, and of teaching methods. Methods appropriate to the teaching of concepts differ from methods for teaching generalizations. (SD)

Argues that social studies teachers need to involve their students in building their own pyramids of knowledge from basic facts into broad general principles. Discusses a class at Moorhead State University (Minnesota) that uses the inquiry method to help student teachers learn to construct lessons that follow the…

Contends social studies is an exciting, relevant aspect of the curriculum, but it is often presented in a mundane and dated fashion. Reviews research on instructional processes and recommends teaching generalizations based on concepts grounded in fact. (CFR)

Recommends organizing U.S. history courses around central ideas rather than chronological periods. Argues that this method affords a better grasp of the principal developments in the nation's history by treating issues in depth. Lists eight broad themes around which a U.S. history course can be constructed. (MJP)

Intended for elementary and secondary teachers and for students in teacher training institutions, this book contains practical suggestions and information on ways and means of improving social studies instruction. UNESCO hopes that the book will play a part in raising the standard of social studies teaching and that it will at the same time…