Explores the nature of historical thinking, asserting that no intrinsic differences characterize how people understand ideas. Suggests history's role in the social studies is to inspire creative inquiry into past cultures and into oneself. Examines mythology's power to teach what is timeless and quintessentially human. Highlights Joseph Campbell's…

A five-step curriculum adaptation model to meet learning and behavior needs is presented, involving (1) determine need for curricular adaptations, (2) identify elements requiring adaptation, (3) select teaching and behavior management techniques, (4) implement curricular adaptations, and (5) monitor progress of adaptations. (JDD)

A teacher describes a master's level course, "The Changing American Elementary School," which has students stage theatrical productions, read literature as history, and engage in art criticism. He discusses the importance of incorporating arts and humanities into the teaching of curriculum to help students integrate their master's…

The average teacher-in-training's international background tends to be shallow and narrow, both professionally and personally. Teacher preparation programs, as shown in two teaching scenarios, must be changed to reflect a more global perspective. Administrators play a key role in shaping faculty attitudes and creating a supportive, experimental…

Discusses the use of quantitative methods in historical research. Maintains that numbers are essential to understanding certain historical phenomena and contends that statistical sources must be approached with a critical stance. Describes the integration of quantitative methods into the history curriculum, and the establishment of an…

Presents three physical geography lessons for teachers who may lack either formal training or resource materials in physical geography. The lessons are in response to the new Utah state requirements for junior high schools. Overviews each lesson, suggests activities, and lists materials needed each day. (KO)

This study examined the effects of mastery learning on college students' achievement in a nonsequential course in curriculum and instruction. Students participated in either classes with conventional teaching, enhanced cognitive entry behavior plus conventional teaching, or feedback/corrective procedures plus the other methods. Using a combination…

Asserts that the reunification of Germany and its significance in the European Community provide a catalyst for U.S. social studies teachers to include instruction about Germany at all grade levels. Includes a teacher resource page with information about schools and student life in Germany. (CFR)

Discusses the development and implementation of an elementary-level unit on grandparents. Recommends student reading materials and other resources for replicating the unit. Describes the final day of the unit when grandparents visited the classroom. (CFR)

With the teaching for understanding approach, physical education teachers can modify standard game skills to help low-skilled secondary school students focus on the important concepts and strategies shared by all net games. The paper explains how to use the teaching for understanding approach in physical education. (SM)

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences helps teachers nurture students' unique intelligences. This article explains how one teacher reinvented her curriculum and teaching methods to meet all students' needs, highlighting a unit that introduced the concept of diverse strengths and open-ended exploration of the seven intelligences through…

Maintains that the wide-ranging children's literature of Jane Yolen created a rainbow of effective instructional materials for elementary social studies. Recommends instructional strategies for teachers using Yolen's books. Presents a bibliographic essay describing 12 Yolen books. (CFR)

Argues for a comprehensive overhaul of the Chinese school system. Specifically criticizes teacher-dominated instruction, emphasis on skills training over creative thinking, outdated and irrelevant materials. Concludes that a lack of consistency and planning in the curriculum will result in a generation inadequately prepared for the future. (MJP)

Content analysis of task force reports on improving the undergraduate major in 10 liberal arts disciplines revealed that each discipline's epistemological character strongly influenced methodology, pedagogy, and curricular innovation, consistent with previous theory and research on disciplines. The role of these factors and pragmatic…

Addresses two issues confronting teachers who use theme immersion in their classrooms: integration of content through theme, and inquiry-based curriculum. Discusses the challenge and justification for each issue. Notes that inquiry teaching means constantly searching for better ways to support children' s own inquiry processes. (BAC)