While classroom discussion is often cherished as a cornerstone of effective social science teaching, knowledge on when and where discussions tend to turn deliberative is lacking. To make up for this lack of knowledge, the present study examined classroom discussion in three conditions: a whole-class condition, a small group condition, and a pair…

In this article we argue that social science instructors at all levels should openly embrace kinesthetic learning as an everyday pedagogical tool. The standard model of instruction at the college level relies on lecture, perhaps with special alternative activities (e.g., simulations) scattered throughout each semester. We argue that students…

When he looks back to the 1960s, the author feels sentimental about the New Social Studies movement that began very strong and then suddenly disintegrated. At the time of the genesis of the movement, there was a group of professionals, representing both the social sciences and education, who felt they had a vision of what was needed to revitalize…

Elementary schools have a significant role in creating democratic attitudes and attainments in children. During elementary education, children are prepared for life, becoming familiar with rules in social life in addition to gaining academic knowledge and abilities. In this article, the importance of educating children about democracy in…

The article discusses how a social science teacher can successfully use the political cartoon in the classroom. (Author/RM)

Compares and contrasts the various forms of Darwinism and discusses the tenets of Pragmatism with respect to social change, truth, solution of individual and social problems, and fitness." (JB)

A rectangular, two-dimensional chart showing the structure and interrelationships of the social sciences is presented. (MB)

Anthropology, because it deals with the totality of the human experience, can be introduced into the curriculum at any level and in many subject areas. Ways to turn a traditional social studies lesson into one in social science, emphasizing anthropology, are described. (RM)

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the nation's largest living history museum, in partnership with the Social Science Education Consortium, scholars, educators, and teachers, has developed engaging learning materials for social studies classrooms. One such program is the Colonial Williamsburg History and Civics Project, which is based on…

In Chile, teaching is in a period of transition between occupation and profession. To examine teachers' perceptions of their profession, the author conducted a qualitative, phenomenological investigation. He interviewed twenty-seven history and social science teachers employed at urban secondary schools in Chile. He found that teachers believe…

As an introduction to a group of articles that argues in favor of the social sciences as a focus for social studies programs, the author describes briefly the historical development of the social studies. This history is intended to provide insight into present predicaments and dissatisfactions. (RM)

Describes classroom techniques used successfully by the author for teaching key sociological and social scientific concepts in secondary social studies courses. The author believes that the great value of sociology is the way it perceives and conceives of human behavior, rather than in so-called sociological findings. (RM)

Psychology, as well as the other social sciences, is necessary to develop an accurate understanding of human events. The proper place of psychology in the secondary school curriculum, then, is as part of an integrated social studies curriculum. An approach for integrating the social sciences into social studies is illustrated. (RM)

Essay on the relationship between the social sciences and humanities, and its implications for social studies education. (SE)

Through the use of social science in-class materials, students can improve their reading skills. Suggestions are given for teaching social studies vocabulary, improving general reading ability, and organizing classrooms for reading improvement. (Author/JR)