Instructional models are distinct sets of sequenced teaching actions created to promote student achievement of selected learning outcomes. They identify: (1) the type of information to be presented to students; (2) the sequence in which it should be presented; (3) the teaching tactics that stimulate necessary cognitive learning processes; and (4)…

If social studies teachers are to build an international or global perspective into their teaching, they should not only be exposed to the substance of global education throughout their academic training, but should also be introduced to teaching methods and materials that are international in character. This presentation considers ways in which…

One technique particularly worthy of possible inclusion in the secondary social studies methods class is an assignment in which students interview practicing social studies teachers. In addition to obtaining more insight into actual teaching practice, methods students learn about interviewing as a social studies teaching method. A course is…

This textbook is a guide for preparing teachers for social studies instruction in grades K-8. It promotes social studies as education for citizenship in a democracy. All chapters are structured to aid study and can be varied in order to suit the course requirements of instructors and the needs of students. Each chapter begins with an objective and…

Recent research in civic education suggests much for shaping and focusing secondary social studies methods course work. This Digest: (1) provides an overview of selected findings from recent studies of secondary students' civic understanding and engagement; and (2) offers five research-based suggestions for social studies methods instructors.…

Proposes techniques to help instructors of preservice teacher education programs in social studies improve their programs. Techniques involve collecting data from the schools, determining a definition of social studies, selecting teaching competencies and instructional strategies, and assessing teachers' and student teachers' abilities to perform…

This paper describes efforts to develop a social studies methods course based on a foundation of critical theory in education. The literature concerning critical theory is discussed. Critical theory focuses on three areas of educational thought: (1) the relationship of school to society; (2) conceptions of knowledge and curriculum; and (3) the…

Elementary teachers can gain valuable insights into the teaching of social studies by taking part in primary social science research projects. Describes a primary research project conducted in a social studies methods class that involved future teachers in investigating the water problems of Shreveport, Louisiana. (RM)

Describes how to utilize instructional resources to personalize a social studies methods course for elementary school teachers-in-training. The approach involves teacher-pupil verbal interaction, inquiry, and valuing. (Author/DB)

A strong case can be made for increasing the hours of the social studies methods course from three to six semester hours. One of the major problems of secondary social studies classes is the unimaginative, unexciting, and predominant practice of transmitting unexamined and unquestioned facts and information to the students. Social studies…

This 12-hour module of instruction is designed to help undergraduates in social studies methods courses integrate economics education into the elementary school social studies curriculum. The major purposes of the module are to (1) demonstrate how economics concepts can be integrated into social studies instruction, (2) reinforce or extend teacher…

This 12-hour module of instruction is designed to help undergraduates in social studies methods courses integrate economics education into the secondary school social studies curriculum. The major purposes of the module are to (1) reinforce or extend teacher education students' understanding of selected basic economic concepts, (2) develop an…

Describes a social studies teaching methods course which emphasizes laboratory work in local public elementary schools. Lists five activities preservice teachers are expected to fulfill in the course. (KC)

Discusses project HI-SITE, Historical Inquiry Strategies in Teacher Education. Explains that the project is designed to present an instructional model providing choices for learning experiences involving primary evidence for preservice teachers. Describes several experimental options including investigation or field study of a site, an…

Describes efforts to infuse an international perspective into Clarion University of Pennsylvania's social studies methods course. Reports results of a pretest indicating poor knowledge of and interest in social studies among education majors. Discusses course activities, materials, and requirements. Concludes that knowledge and interest in global…