The current study explored the effect of a developed Geography curriculum framework towards promoting pre-service teachers' creative thinking (CT) across its 4 components namely: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration through instructional media production. A research and development (R&D) model were employed which consisted of 3…

The concept of project-based learning (PBL) has garnered wide support among a number of K-12 education policy advocates and funders. This working paper builds on and updates a seminal literature review of PBL published in 2000. Focused primarily on articles and studies that have emerged in the 17 years since then, the working paper discusses the…

This article communicates results of data analysis from an online survey of teachers in the state of Illinois. The data were collected as part of the National Profile of Social Studies Teachers Project (NPSS), which concerned the status of social studies teaching. This article spotlights social studies education and the relationship of teaching…

"The Common Core Companion: The Standards Decoded", by Jim Burke, provides schools, districts, and departments with a common language or set of reference points for effective school-wide implementation of the Common Core State Standards. The book--available in middle and high school editions--clarifies what each standard says, what each…

A review of "The September 11th Education Program: A National Interdisciplinary Curriculum" reveals a sensitive and well-created program for the 5-12 social studies teacher to use in teaching about the challenging subject of 9/11. This program provides an opportunity for teachers to find a balance among understanding, critical analysis,…

"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…

The newly updated "Content-Based Curriculum for High-Ability Learners" provides a solid introduction to curriculum development in gifted and talented education. Written by experts in the field of gifted education, this text uses cutting-edge design techniques and aligns the core content with national and state standards. In addition to a revision…

A discussion of geography's place in the curriculum and suggested methods for teaching geography are presented in this paper. Geography may be included in the curriculum in a variety of ways, such as infusing it throughout the curriculum or designing an integrated curriculum with geography as the core. Principles of learning derived from…

Critiques Diane Ravitch's suggestions for the revival of history in the school curriculum. Characterizes her arguments as conservative and compares her to the anti-progressives of the 1950s. Calls for less emphasis on traditional history and discusses alternative conceptions of history. Examines the California History Social Science Framework. (KO)

Educators increasingly realize that longer life expectancies and changing demographics require literacy about the why's and how's of aging across the lifespan. While other contemporary issues are routinely addressed in schools, aging-related issues are often ignored or presented in stereotypical ways. This reference book suggests practical ways to…

Discusses the "Make a Difference Program" designed to respond to the changing interests of students and the changes in curriculum and methodology in the California schools. Outlines and elaborates on the 10 aspects of the program. Stresses the development of critical thinking skills and active student participation. (RW)

Responds to a critique by Ronald Evans of Ravitch's position on the teaching of history. States that the goals of history are to put students in command of knowledge which will allow them to reach their own conclusions. Urges that teachers take the risk of allowing students to think for themselves. (KO)

This monograph focuses on the issue of the nature and purpose of the social studies curriculum. In the lead article, George Wood maintains that social studies as taught today is irrelevant and strives to produce citizens who are unquestioning supporters of U.S. political and economic institutions. Dr. Wood attributes this state of affairs to the…

Discusses the Bradley Commission on History in School recommendations as part of the 1980s curriculum reform movement. Examines the problem of too many social science disciplines competing for space within the limited core curriculum. Analyzes several major reports published on social studies curriculum reform. Concludes with further questions…

This document provides a model to help local teachers and administrators develop learner outcomes at the local level. Chapter 1 defines the State Board of Education's values, philosophy, mission, and goals. Chapter 2 explicates the process for identifying what is being taught and what ought to be learned. This process guide provides a list of the…