The research to practice gap in education has been a long-standing concern. The enactment of No Child Left Behind brought increased emphasis on the value of using scientifically based instructional practices to improve educational outcomes. It also brought education into the broader evidence-based practice movement that started in medicine and has…

Describes a new approach for increasing teaching effectiveness in the area of social studies by helping teachers recognize and nurture multiple talents in all children (Talents Unlimited). Objectives of the approach are to develop students' productive thinking, communication, forecasting, decision making, and planning skills. (DB)

Describes a legislative simulation intended for use in a college-level political science course. A major objective of the simulation is to help students understand decision-making processes involved in politics. Source materials and role characteristics are discussed. (DB)

Proposes strategies and activities for use by elementary school social studies classroom teachers as they develop and implement consumer education programs. Guidelines include defining the problem, identifying goals, considering alternatives, analyzing consequences, and selecting a solution in terms of goals. (Author/DB)

Analytical case studies can provide a way for high school geography teachers to develop their students' interpretive skills, skills which are not fostered by the traditional teacher-centered textbook methods of geography instruction. The case study approach introduces the student to economic and cultural activities within a country or region or to…

Recognizing that all teaching methods have their shortcomings, teachers should be applied theorists of eclecticism (i.e., should view all conceivable approaches to teaching as having validity under certain conditions and toward certain goals) and should cultivate the ability of fitting various teaching formats to the desired pedagogical ends. (MB)

The elementary program of career education, patterned after the elementary component of the East Providence Career Education Pilot Project, attempts to develop decision making skills, self direction, career awareness, and basic skills through greater individualization of instruction. This was accomplished by organizing activities around…

To be successful, the law-related curriculum must help students develop decision making skills, develop empathy, and make ethical judgments. Teaching strategies that can be used in kindergarten and the elementary grades are suggested. (RM)

Guided Design is an approach to course design aimed at developing a student's decision-making skills as well as teaching specific principles and concepts. A seven-point hierarchy of educational needs is defined, including: (1) self-preservation, (2) safety, (3) belonging, (4) respect, (5) knowledge, (6) sensitivity-sensibility, and (7)…

Argues that cooperative learning is useful in elementary social studies instruction. Identifies positive interdependence, student interaction, individual accountability for mastering material, and appropriate interpersonal and small group skills as essential elements of cooperative learning. Suggests that cooperative learning can help teach social…

Maintains that the social studies reform movement includes a call for the de-emphasis of rote memory and more attention to the development of higher-order thinking skills. Discusses the "thinking tasks" concept derived from the work of Hilda Taba and asserts that the tasks can be used with almost any social studies topic. (CFR)

Points out that geography works toward educational objectives by helping the learner understand geographic aspects of society, by providing collaboration on and discussion of important problems, by informing him about present-day dilemmas, and by teaching him how to learn for himself. Journal available from Faculty of Education, 3700 McTavish St.,…

Because social studies lacks the cognitive elegance of mathematics, the facilities and resources accorded to science, and the cadres of experts attending the language arts, it does not receive the recognition it deserves. The wide variety of academic disciplines included in the realm of social studies makes it very difficult for today's proponents…

Contends that pluralistic democracy relies on conflict of ideas and participative decision making. Reports on case studies of two different approaches to teaching world studies. Finds that both approaches encouraged students to participate actively, but others remained silent during the discussion. (CFR)