A recent study that surveyed close to 500 Alberta social studies teachers concluded that irreconcilable pressures "point to tensions between the formal program of studies and its prescribed outcomes, and the realities and complexities of classrooms where teachers attempt to realize good practices" (Alberta Teachers' Association, 2016, p,…

Discusses the National Council for the Social Studies "Guidelines for Teaching Science-Related Social Issues." Suggests that only through appropriate citizen action and participation can technology and science be contained and directed. Suggests a teaching unit exploring the topic of science, technology, and society. (DK)

Continues a discussion of the state of secondary social studies in Saudi Arabia. Discusses the preparation of textbooks and their use by Saudi teachers. Notes problems with the texts and teachers' use of nontext materials in their teaching. Offers conclusions and recommendations for improving social studies education in Saudi Arabia. (DSK)

Argues that social studies in Saudi Arabia has gone through three periods since the 1920s. Reviews the first two periods as an introduction to contemporary developments. Notes the goals of social studies in Saudi Arabia. Reviews the results of a series of studies on the social studies curriculum and instruction. (DSK)

Discusses language across the curriculum movement and its impact on current social studies teaching. Asserts that social studies as a form of literacy means being able to understand the world from multiple perspectives. Recommends that social studies teachers implement inquiry and language principles across the curriculum. (CFR)

Questions how the goal of participatory citizenship can be taught within the typical classroom environment. Argues that the hidden curriculum, textbooks, and instructional methods do not provide opportunities to see citizenship in action or ways to practice it. Recommends providing students with choices and opportunities for engagement in some…

Notes that there is a rich literature within social studies education promoting the teaching of controversial issues. Observes that, despite this, teachers continue to be cautious, only giving controversies a token nod in curricula. Suggests four reasons why controversial content continues to be difficult for teachers to implement. (DSK)

Discusses Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of thinking skills and applies concepts from this framework to social studies instruction. Attempts to connect all six levels of Bloom's taxonomy to social studies instruction and assessment. Provides a concrete example of an instructional method that integrates the multiple stages of cognition described by…

Describes the philosophy and operation of schools based on the ideas of Celestin Freinet, founder of the Ecole Moderne movement. Discusses the child-centered approach, cooperative-learning techniques, and participatory decision making that are characteristic of these schools. Points out that the curriculum frequently emphasizes contemporary social…

Contends that imagination and creativity go hand in hand and that creativity can and must be cultivated among students at all levels of education. Presents a classroom approach where students are the experts on a variety of global issues and projects. Includes 7 tables illustrating the approach and 21 descriptions of student roles. (CFR)

Describes the services of the ERIC System and the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education. Maintains that one difficulty for educators in teaching about the Holocaust is the selection of appropriate materials. Presents an annotated ERIC bibliography of seven teacher resource items on the topic. (CFR)

Describes a project in which grade-four students read a historical novel and wrote essays as historical characters. College-level education students also read the novel and replied to the elementary students. Concludes that the project helped students achieve preestablished instructional goals. (CFR)

Presents a unit of study on the Holocaust designed by a team of teachers for sixth-grade students. Includes student objectives, suggested learning activities, and methods of student evaluation. Provides a full-page description of a culminating activity. (CFR)

Maintains that the Holocaust is an integral part of the Canadian secondary history and social science curriculum. Asserts that pedagogical considerations for the Holocaust should not differ from the study of other major events. Discusses content selection, skill development, appropriate resources, and student sensitivities. (CFR)