Too often, social studies educators are asked to focus their design and enactment of learning experiences on the mastery of content knowledge, often at the expense of other aims and goals. In response to this problem, the authors of this article explore the reclamation of dispositions in social studies curriculum planning and teaching. First, he…

In this article, the authors consider how the scholarship of a social studies icon, Harold O. Rugg, can influence the work of social studies scholars and teachers today. For the past year, the authors have studied Rugg's work, reading his writings and examining his textbook series. Their inquiries have unsettled their thinking, prompting them to…

When, if ever, should social studies teacher educators and K-12 teachers seek to inculcate specific values, attitudes, and beliefs in their students? To address this question, the author offers a case from his own practice as a social studies teacher educator, illustrating how he promoted critical and divergent thinking during the first half of…

The future of the American experiment, and the life of the democratic republic that is the United States, is at risk. American citizens have endangered the republic by failing to educate new generations of citizens about civic responsibility. As early as the nineteenth century, the tension between individualism and American republican principles…

The authors present a conversation among several leading social studies theorists, researchers, and practitioners on the social studies wars, or conflicts in the debate over the purposes, content, and practice of social studies in schools. Questions focus on addressing the plurality of definitions for the field, creating more effective dialogue…

American democratic society is sustained through debate among its citizens. Four sets of value tensions--(1) law versus ethics, (2) private wealth versus common wealth, (3) freedom versus equality, and (4) unity versus diversity--are central in allowing citizens to address matters of public interest through debate. These value pairs are the…

Presents a planning model that serves as a guide for social studies teachers using block scheduling, but is appropriate for any time format. Explains that the model consists of four topics describing each in detail: (1) content selection; (2) instructional strategies; (3) assessment; and (4) higher-order thinking skills. (CMK)

Addresses the major issues in relation to media education in the United Kingdom focusing on the various approaches that have be used historically. Outlines what media education is not and what it could be and discusses why media education is important to democratic societies. Highlights some key terms in media education. (CMK)

Introduces and celebrates a new series on Harold and Earle Rugg, founders of the National Council for the Social Studies. Includes the reprints of two articles by the Rugg brothers that appeared in the May 1921 issues of "The Historical Outlook" (the parent of today's "The Social Studies"). (CMK)

Discusses the philosophy of global education and distinguishes between international and global education. Clarifies the definitional ambiguities in the field of global education. Outlines the "Hanvey Definition" and explores three patterns that permeate definitions of global education. (CMK)

Reviews key curriculum models to illustrate how geography is facing increased competition for class time. Addresses the need for a standards-based scope and sequence. Focuses on a project that prepared a content-specific scope and sequence, displayed as a matrix, and a teacher's guide for geographic education in grades K-12. (CMK)

Discusses the differences between subject matter and content within the realm of social studies. Asserts the importance of making connections within the social studies and allowing students more choices in subject matter. Explores how teacher education should change to help future teachers learn more about subject matter in the social studies.…

States that cultural pluralism has been important in U.S. society since the founding of the Republic. Identifies four conceptualizations of pluralism, two based on assimilation and two based on the persistence of multiculturalism. Concludes that a multicultural society that acknowledges common core values is essential to the success of the U.S.…

The National Council for the Social Studies suggests that social studies programs should provide for the study of culture and cultural diversity (NCSS 1994). Within the NCSS culture strand is the expectation that students can predict how data and experiences may be interpreted by people from diverse cultural perspectives, compare and analyze…

Discusses the role of social studies education in a developing nation, both in theory, and as it is practiced in the English-speaking Caribbean. Diagrams a dynamic for teaching social studies in developing societies. Contends that social studies education has a unique role to play in the enterprise of nation building. (DB)