As the landscape of higher education gets more complex, there is a need to increase engagement and student reflection on their academic experiences. This research explores whether a threshold concept framework (TCF) can be used in an interdisciplinary social science culminating course as a tool for students to consider the transformative nature of…

This dissertation explores how to teach web mapping. Web mapping skillsets are in demand by employers, yet a minority of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) programs include web mapping in their curricula. The dissertation seeks to promote web mapping education by addressing the barriers to teaching web mapping and instructional strategies…

The building of historical thinking skills has historically been a lonely endeavor for AP U.S. history teachers. Many often generate their own pedagogy, perhaps modified from an AP workshop or generally gleaned from released exam essay questions. However, as currently scheduled, in 2014, the AP U.S. history exam will undergo a redesign that will…

A strong, recent movement in tertiary education is the development of conceptual, or "big idea" teaching. The emphasis in course design is now on promoting key understandings, core competencies, and an understanding of connections between different fields. In biochemistry teaching, this radical shift from the content-based tradition is…

Discusses making integrated instruction at the middle school level more potent by focusing on key concepts rather than on topics (e.g., systems, interdependence, change). Describes differences in curricula based on concepts and topics; defines concepts and principles for integrated instruction and what makes them effective. Compares integrated…

Information from the social sciences, related to the development of substantive content for social science curricula at the secondary school level, is recorded in 16 interviews with small groups of social scientists. A cross-representational team of psychologists and educators conducted these two-and-one-half-hour interviews to obtain the social…

This article describes how teachers can develop an array of learning experiences that address varied interests and abilities of gifted students by integrating basic social studies concepts and universal themes that provide a structure for in-depth learning. It provides a social studies concept web, a thematic web, and sample lesson. (Contains 4…

Argues that the elementary social studies curriculum is based on unimportant and disconnected topics that are of little relevance or interest to students. Proposes a curriculum based on major social education goals such as shelter, citizen participation, and the appreciation of a multicultural society. Suggests seven steps teachers can use to…

In this paper guidelines which provide direction toward the development and structure of a course in social foundations of education are outlined. A systems approach to organization of the course is used as both a content and process guide. The construct of the parts of this education system defines four operational functions: 1) development of…

Designed for use in grades K-12, award winning teacher-developed projects and courses in economics are described. Descriptions indicate grade level, project background, time allotment, objectives, activities, and evaluation. Arranged into 5 chapters, chapter 1 suggests ways to teach economic concepts to grades K-3. Projects include a lesson on…

To improve social studies in grades K-12, the Syracuse Social Studies Curriculum Center engaged in a 5-year study to identify major concepts in social studies and to develop materials and techniques for teaching these concepts at various grade levels. The results of this research revealed that (1) social studies concepts can be developed for…

Reports that young children in the pedestrian accident prone age range of four-eight years hold a variety of naive conceptions regarding speed. Proposes a primary science unit using a conceptual change approach. (MVL)

Techniques for encouraging young children to discover the purpose and use of maps are discussed. Motor activity and topological studies form a base from which the teacher and children can build a mapping program of progressive sophistication. Concepts important to mapping include boundaries, regions, exteriors, interiors, holes, order, point of…

This bibliography is an annotated reading guide for teachers and others in the social sciences who seek a better understanding of the many facets of curriculum theory, concepts, and the terminology used in the Curriculum Materials Analysis System (CMAS). The references have been arranged by the categories of the analysis system and alphabetically…