During our careers as teachers, professional development specialists, and teacher educators, we have made perpetual attempts to develop instructional strategies and tools for engaging students in historical inquiry. Emphasis in recent years in the field of social studies education has been on the development and use of digitized historical…

Over the last decade there has been an increased focus on high-stakes standardized tests in reading and math. Social studies has been devalued in the classroom as many teachers and administrators focus their attention on reading and math instruction to avoid the punitive consequences of the No Child Left Behind Act. (2001). Based on this…

It's tough to teach social studies and history to students who have trouble reading and understanding textbooks and other resources. But you can overcome those obstacles and motivate students to excel in social studies classes by using the concepts and research-based techniques in this guide. Renowned reading expert Donna Ogle teams up with two…

Asserts that every report on the status of history/social studies instruction mentions how teachers rely too much on the basal textbook. Maintains that quotations can be used to provide a human dimension to history and social studies teaching. Includes suggestions and illustrations for integrating quotations in history instruction. (CFR)

Maintains that there is general consensus about recommended reforms in the teaching and learning of history but that it is unlikely that many will be adopted on a broad scale. Asserts that the emphasis on active, student-centered approaches to learning are the best ways to organize history instruction. (CFR)

Reviews the debate about history education and curriculum restructuring in Great Britain. Discusses three aspects of these efforts: (1) public discussion about the emerging national history curriculum; (2) attention to promote experiential learning outside the classroom; and (3) increased awareness of the role of American studies. (CFR)

Contends that students should gain three benefits from any history curriculum: knowledge, skills, and an enthusiasm for further study. Asserts that social studies textbooks leave out important, interest-building information. Describes classroom projects using census data and the origin of blues music as examples of social history activities that…

Analyzes the challenges to implementation of the California Framework for History-Social Science Education. Compares the Framework's prescriptions with current practices and concludes that there are discrepancies. Suggests methods for preparing current practitioners and future teachers to carry out the Framework. (LS)

Reviews 12 books related to social studies education in Canada. Includes history and geography textbooks, supplementary materials for student reading, descriptions of effective schools, and recommended instructional strategies for social studies teachers. (CFR)