Educational research on the social studies since the 1960's, indicating that many changes have occurred yet implying that there is still a further need for research and improvement, is summarized in this booklet. Because the vast amount of research on social studies makes it impractical to report a great deal of it, many of the findings reported…

Outlines three lesson plans designed to increase students' knowledge of candidates, public policy issues, and social responsibility as well as develop problem-solving skills. Different sets of activities address the issues of politicians vs. leaders; the relationship among politics, power, and conflict; identifying and prioritizing issues in an…

Proposes two motivational instruments that can help students gain an understanding of the issues and analyze their importance. The first step, F.I.N.D.(ing) an article, involves identifying Facts, Issues, Nation(s) Involved and Dilemma. The second step incorporates seeing R.E.D., (R)ecognizing the Issue, (E)valuating the Issue, and (D)efending the…

Outlines an inservice-teacher workshop, used in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, intended for high school teachers who focus on the modern Middle East. Defines the critical thinking process it recommends: questioning assumptions, gathering information, and evaluating material. Describes small-group sessions that evaluate textbooks and news…

Outlines a sixth grade social studies project rewriting portions of outdated textbooks. Suggests steps by which students critically read, evaluate, and rewrite historical accounts of the Soviet Union to reflect recent changes. Explains how the project develops skills in evaluating information and making revisions. Emphasizes the active learning…

International understanding, as an objective of the study of modern languages at the secondary school level, is emphasized due to recent advances in linguistic science and the trend toward interdisciplinary approaches to language study. Special attention is directed to the realization that language and culture are inextricably interwoven and to…

Presents a teacher's guide for use in conjunction with the Washington, DC, public television station (WETA) four-part television series, "Vote for Me." The series provides a behind-the-scenes look at political factions, and local elections. The Teachers Guide includes program descriptions, previewing, postviewing, and discussion…

Advocates utilizing an issues-centered approach to teaching controversial political issues in social studies classrooms. Recommends augmenting this approach with the development of a democratic classroom where student views are encouraged and considered. Identifies useful techniques for this approach, including debates, simulations, discussions,…

Presents a lesson plan designed to increase students' participation in the electoral process and help them to create their own political opinions. Students examine political advertisements, candidate debates, and political cartoons. Includes tips on "How to get the most out of a debate" and suggested further activities. (MJP)

Describes a current affairs program involving the examination of social issues in a Canadian elementary school. Discusses significant aspects of the program, including the debate format, the use of computers, and a partnership with a local cable television company. Includes an appendix of the debating/talk-show format used. (CFR)

Intended for educators interested in providing peace and nuclear war education in the public schools, this publication examines the nature of peace and nuclear war education, rationales for its inclusion in the public school program, and ways to deal with the controversial nature of the topics. The first of eight chapters presents a four-fold…

The thrust of the Navajo Adult Basic Education (NABE) program is aimed at three major objectives. First, it seeks to establish, through the study of history and current events, a feeling of pride in Navajo cultural heritage, promoting self-esteem and building self-confidence. Next, it prepares the Navajo to function better in those areas of the…

Recommends ways to implement citizenship education in elementary school social studies lessons and classroom procedures. Emphasizes teachers' influence as role models. Identifies conceptual, process, and affective citizenship education goals. Suggests classroom activities and events for developing students' decision-making skills, awareness of…

This document contains issues of "The Educational Record of the Province of Quebec" from January 1900 through December 1900. Among the topics covered in this volume are: Annual Convention of Protestant Teachers, co-operation of parent and teacher, future of kindergarten, the neglected child, the rights of children, status of education at…

This guide is intended to help social studies educators in Nova Scotia develop a junior-senior high school program for students who have had a history of learning difficulties and whose acquisition of skills has been slower than average. The first part of the guide contains a definition of the student for whom the program is intended, guidelines…