This paper reports results from a six-state study of 62 USA social studies classrooms. We examined the extent to which intellectually challenging authentic pedagogy was present in study classrooms, the characteristics of classroom practice at different levels of authentic pedagogy, and how those characteristics may promote or inhibit high levels…

Introduction: The teacher plays a significant role in the intellectual development of the pupils, using various assessment and teaching styles to improve pupils' performance in school subjects. The study therefore investigated the effect of some teacher related factors: teacher level of awareness of assessment style, teacher assessment style,…

Chartered in 1994 and opened in 1996, the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School (CCLCS) was among the first charter schools in Massachusetts. CCLCS strives to foster "intellectual development, academic achievement, project based learning, interdisciplinary studies, community partnerships, environmental studies, global awareness, and an ethical…

The author comments on reactions made by Vincent Rogers, Elisabeth Hirsch, and John E. McGill to his original paper. (Author/RM)

The reaction paper discusses how the traditional view of social studies for younger children as a content subject has contributed to ineffective programs. A new approach which views social studies as a skills subject is recommended. (Author/RM)

A model for sequencing intellectual skills through the use of learning hierarchies is provided. Applications of this model to social studies education are included. (DE)

Reviews the research and writing of several authors who advocated intellectual reflectivity as either a major goal or method of social studies. Analyzes the practical constraints which tended to prevent schools and teachers from adopting reflectivty and makes recommendations for increasing teachers' acceptance of reflectivity. (JDH)

The article reviews the bases for social studies programs for young children that have developed through the years and comments on the lack of intellectual quality in these programs. (Author/RM)

The author agrees with B. Spodek that the Kamii-Piagetian framework for cognitive goals is a useful conception for teachers and curriculum workers, but cautions that Spodek's analytic scheme may encourage teachers and curriculum workers to compartmentalize learning. The overriding importance of the classroom teacher in improving programs is…

The reaction paper discusses two of the goals for social studies posited by B. Spodek: social knowledge and representation. Specific and concrete examples to enable teachers to translate theory into practice are provided. (Author/RM)

Outlined are three instructional models that were developed in a pre-service social studies course for junior year education majors. These interrelated models are structured as heuristic paradigms so that different types of content can be included within relevant areas. Specific attitudes, concepts, and skills are related to appropriate content…

Major social studies objectives delineated in this booklet provide a framework for the measurement of student achievement in the social studies. The booklet is arranged in four chapters. The first chapter describes the development of social studies objectives; the other chapters respectively list the social studies objectives for the specific age…

Describes a "thinking strand" in social studies instruction in a New Jersey school district. An inservice training program enables teachers to apply critical thinking skills in the classroom, actively engaging students through the use of debates, case studies, and problem-solving activities. (TE)

The article uses Jean Piaget's theory of four stages of intellectual growth to describe (1) developmental aspects of the six- to seven-year-old child which are pertinent to the teaching of social studies and (2) a social studies program which teaches rational thinking. (Author/KC)

Explores the social and intellectual factors that account for the separation of ideology from works on rational argument. States that by attending to the ideological aspects of critical thinking, educators will more effectively prepare students to face the contemporary realities of social controversy. (GEA)