The objectives of this article are, first, to capture the main camps and patterns of the "social studies wars" since the beginning of the twentieth century and, second, to describe critical episodes from that long history that will help put the contemporary controversies in historical perspective. Here, the author features six critical episodes…

This review of philosophy of history examines questions of the meaning and purpose of historical study and draws implications for teaching. The discussion of philosophers of history is organized into six general categories within two broad groups. The two broad groups are analytic philosophers, who generally write about the historian's craft, and…

This paper describes and analyzes teacher conceptions of the meaning of history. Previous research points to teacher conceptions as a crucial variable guiding curriculum decisions. Data for the study were collected through survey questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed by content analysis of fieldnotes, frequency analysis, and cross…

Discusses a study of teacher conceptions of the meaning of history. Concludes that history teachers tend fall into five broad categories: (1) storyteller; (2) scientific historian; (3) relativist/reformer; (4) cosmic philosopher; and (5) eclectic. Suggests that teaching should be grounded in an explicit educational philosophy that is developed in…

Explores teachers' conceptions of the meaning of history. Contends that teachers' conceptions of history tend to place them in one of five typologies: storyteller, scientific historian, relativist/reformer, cosmic philosopher, or eclectic. Finds that these conceptions are related to teacher background, teacher belief, and teacher knowledge.…

Defends the history National Standards as an excellent and inclusive guide to the broad topics and themes appropriate to a U. S. history course. Nonetheless, characterizes the Standards as pedagogically conservative. Recommends an alternative approach emphasizing critical thinking and interdisciplinary instruction. (MJP)