Stipulates that critical thinking requires classroom environments mutually created by social studies students and teachers. Suggests empowerment and cooperative learning become more than buzz words in environments conducive to critical thinking. Provides a list of questions for students and teachers to examine their roles in creating democratic…

Argues for revitalization of teachers through inservice training as a way of changing teachers' self-concept to one of high efficacy. The author maintains that teachers can then attempt to improve the legitmacy of the curriculum and their students' perceptions of it. (Author/DB)

Describes changes in personal attitudes as a result of participation in a professional development program, the California History-Social Science Project. Compares a newly proposed model of education with a conventional one. Provides a lesson plan and a follow-up activity based on this new educational model. (CFR)