Outlines a sixth grade social studies project rewriting portions of outdated textbooks.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…

Develops a lesson in which students analyze an 1894 petition to the federal government from Moqui women, asking that their matrilineal system of land use not be disturbed. Focuses on cultural differences between perceptions of land ownership. Highlights the Moqui's adjustment to southwestern aridity and John Wesley Powell's efforts to influence…

Recounts a Philadelphia Alliance for Teaching Humanities in the Schools (PATHS) oral history project developed by Pennsylvania State faculty members and elementary school teachers. Delineates the project's objectives. Explains that students from various ethnic and racial backgrounds interviewed family members and created a local history resource…

Recounts a pilot project in Pennsylvania in which student teachers field-tested Bill of Rights lesson plans and activities for intermediate grade teachers. Describes the project's phases and results, culminating in publication of "Without Them the Bill of Rights Would Be a Bill of Wrongs." Briefly explains the book's 20 lessons. (CH)

Describes the findings from a case study of a chemistry teacher who participated as a coresearcher in investigating the process of change. This teacher attempted to shift the focus of his teaching away from teacher-centered practices and emphasis on content to student-centered practices and emphasizing problem solving relevant to the use of…

Eight help-seeking categories were identified and compared with regard to adolescents' gender, race, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and school misconduct. Problem behaviors were most prevalent for two categories: friends as only resource and social isolate. Males, Blacks, and Hispanics were overrepresented in the social isolate category.…

Criticizes character education programs that tend merely to present moral values to students, believing this produces socially responsible behavior. Argues listing values is simplistic and ineffective. Recognizes the situational complexity that confounds making moral choices. Suggests character education must contend with value conflicts and guide…

Criticizes primacy of the Eurocentric world view in social studies education. Argues that demographic realities demand that students understand and respect disparate, pluralistic values. Recommends curricular emphases and classroom methods for fostering analysis, clarification, and integration of differing ideologies. Contends that social studies…

Analyzes the number and variety of concepts found in elementary textbooks for grades kindergarten through grade six. Finds different disciplines are given different emphasis by each textbook series at each grade level. Concludes teachers need broad preparation in social and behavioral sciences. Designs three models for programs to meet those…

Discusses a study in which fifth and sixth grade students joined with novice teachers to discuss literature in cooperative study groups. Finds students engaged in dialogue with teachers and peers, constructing meanings, revealing personal involvement, and actively inquiring about and evaluating the literature. Includes an excerpt from the…

Within the context of German history and reunification, considers what occurs when a traditionally authoritarian culture is exposed to freedom. Explores the impact of this cultural change on education and the development of a free press in Eastern Europe. Examines issues of minority rights, antisemitism, and nationalism. Provides questions and…

Contends that student alienation cannot be solved by improved instructional methodology or curriculum content reform. Argues that the citizenship education goals of social studies cannot be taught effectively because societal values do not support schools or teachers. Provides five suggestions on policies that might address these issues. (CFR)

Presents a collection of 100 creative teaching ideas from educators nationwide. The suggestions cover across-the-curriculum teaching tips for language arts, math, science, and social studies; tips on classroom management, cooperative learning, computers, thinking skills, and self-esteem. A bonus page for students is included. (SM)

Applies educational theories of Paulo Freire to social studies curriculum development and instruction. Contends that education either functions as an instrument to integrate young people into the current system or becomes an instrument to achieve freedom and progress. Argues that social studies teachers and students should become partners in…

Discusses Internet graduate teaching experiences at the University of Central Florida and explores the pros and cons of online instruction. Describes Internet courses as asynchronous, allowing students to participate at any time and place. States that faculty must be excellent teachers, able to translate their styles into effective,…