Recognizes the importance of using oral history in the study of the U.S. civil rights movement in particular and social movements in general. Explains that oral narratives can yield evidence that is rarely available in contemporary written records. Can also document the emergence of racial, class, and ideological divisions within the civil rights…

Explanation of the purpose of microcomputer simulations in history classes at the college or secondary school level focuses on the development of one simulation, The American Revolution. Highlights include effects on learning processes of using simulations in a microcomputer laboratory; student evaluations of the simulation; and creation of the…

Discusses the importance of writing activities in the social studies, stating that teachers must plan assignments which provide opportunities for students to communicate their own understanding of the subject matter. Provides guidelines and examples of works of poetry, historical fiction, letter writing, and current events. (GEA)

A college professor of German describes an approach to teaching history and literature in a German composition and conversation class, discussing how encouragement of free speech and writing in German enhanced language skills and learning and also appreciation for German history and culture. (CB)

Presents information and suggestions for 10 activities intended to make history more relevant to the daily lives of students. Contends that proper instructional strategies in the introductory phase of a history course could enhance student motivation, understanding, and interest in history. (TRS)

An inquiry approach to history can be realized through the use of microcomputers. In a project at the University of California at Santa Barbara, teams of high school teachers and scholars have developed a series of computer programs whose contents are problems in U.S. history. A sample problem is described. (RM)

A content analysis of essays written by students from Great Britain and the United States on the topic "What I have heard about Adolf Hitler" showed that today's youth have only a very superficial knowledge about the events surrounding Hitler and Nazism. (RM)

Discusses why social studies is suitable for multilevel textbook programs, and important features of viable multilevel textbook programs are examined. A sample unit of study for a high school U.S. history course using multilevel texts is provided. A list of easy-reading secondary grade social studies materials is also included. (RM)

Vietnam War film can provoke responses among students, and it is easy for them and the teacher to move on to the subjective, and unsubstantiated, conclusion that emotive images had an unprecedented effect on U.S. public opinion, and, hence, on the shaping of war policy. The government press-problem is discussed. (RM)

Presents a complete outline of the critical thinking skills taught in grades 3, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Categories are clarifying issues and terms, judging and utilizing information, and drawing conclusions. (JDH)

How to teach elementary art students to make foreign toys is described. The concepts and skills introduced can be related to the study of geography, history, and politics. Toys can be viewed as cultural crafts or artifacts. Knowledge of the concerns of foreign children will make them seem more real. (RM)

Bob Knight, the coach of the Indiana University men's basketball team, discusses a number of topics including problems with education today, changes in education that he has personally observed over the last 20 years, the role that athletics should play in education, and the importance of history instruction. (RM)

This lesson plan for use with high school students presents excerpts from a press conference that President Eisenhower held in 1954 dealing with his domino theory and U.S. foreign policy concerning Indochina. In addition to the excerpts, discussion questions and ideas for student research projects are provided. (RM)

The effective use of research assignments with student-centered resources involves three steps: (1) identifying specific student resources, (2) designing an action research assignment, and (3) teaching students to effectively use research skills. Each of these steps is discussed. (RM)

Historical demography--the study of population in the past, its relation to the environment and economy, and the effects that inter-relationship had on the broad development of society--is an approach that can make the study of history dynamic. The historical development and methodology for historical demography are discussed. (RM)