The general purpose of this study is to examine the views of social studies and classroom teachers on citizenship tendencies and classroom practices. In line with this purpose, teachers' citizenship tendencies, whether citizenship tendencies vary according to gender, branch, and seniority, how they interpret the concept of "ideal…

"Big Expectations" discusses the benefits of developing and using big ideas for a diverse set of learners in social studies. Experimenting with both honors and inclusion classrooms at the middle school level, I found that all students are capable of relating to and thinking deeply about the content through the use of big ideas. Although…

Problems are experienced in geography teaching in almost all countries. Modifications made to curriculums from time to time aim to meet the expectations of the community and the Ministry of National Education in the fields of education considered problematic. The purpose of the geography teaching is to bring up individuals that are responsible,…

A three week course designed to create an ecological awareness on the part of each student is described. (DE)

Suggests that educators will increase learning if they base curriculum on children's thinking patterns. Discusses prominent characteristics of young children's thinking and selection of content appropriate to these thinking patterns. (DB)

The issues that ignited the Solidarity movement in August 1980 had been fermenting for years during the Edward Gierek regime (1970-1980). This curriculum project presents students with an experiential exercise to provoke thinking about the economic shortcomings of the communist countries of the former Soviet bloc. The project also presents the…

Active learning is not a new concept, and recent research suggests that students who have opportunities to participate in the learning process are much more successful students in terms of achievement test scores and individual happiness. This paper discusses some recent research on active learning, including a description of a microsociety school…

Describes a project to reconceptualize the base for citizenship education and to determine implications of experiential learning for curriculum and instruction. (Author/DB)

Demonstrates the use of Bloom's Taxonomy in planning participation projects for elementary education. Illustrates the integration of a social studies theme with other curriculum areas. Provides charts that: (1) delineate the structure of a participation project; (2) take a topic through that structure; and (3) list activities appropriate to all…

Traditionally, early childhood educators address the gaping hole in their planning books under the "social studies" header by teaching a smattering of thematic units. Most early childhood educators now know the importance of planning experiences for social studies, or any other content area, that are integrated, meaningful, and of high interest.…

Focuses on Perry School (Erie, Pennsylvania), the first geography theme-based elementary school in which everything is related to geography. Describes what students learn in each grade level and the expectations on what they should know. Reports on the creation of their geography learning lab. (CMK)

Describes the Contemporary World History Project (CWHP), a year-long, two-part program that integrates the study of world problems within a traditional world history curriculum. Outlines the two parts, historical background and a simulation, and the objectives fulfilled by CWHP. Notes the variety of project topics available to teachers. (DSK)

Examines the Indiana University Global Studies Project, an experimental alternative to world geography or world studies textbooks for junior high schools. The approach taken in the Global Studies materials is: global, topical, contemporary/futuristic, and activity-oriented. Some sample lessons are included. (Author/JK)

Describes three different types of curriculum organization (activity curriculum, general education, and core curriculum) and identifies curriculum development principles that emerged from these past practices that are important to issues-centered education today. Discusses ways to apply the curriculum development principles to contemporary efforts…

Discusses the problems related to cultural pluralism, differences among the groups living in Israel, and social studies education within Israel. Focuses on the sociology curriculum, offering a rationale, description, and information about intercultural education. Addresses how this curriculum format has affected students in terms of their…