Describes six distinct periods of development in China's recent history in terms of their differences in international developments, agriculture, industry, and education and culture. (JDH)

Presents views of four Chinese visiting scholars regarding social, political, and economic conditions in China. Contemporary conditions are contrasted with previous periods, exposing some of the misconceptions which are typical of U.S. citizens who have failed to keep up with China's development. (JDH)

The microcomputer can be a helpful tool for teaching the basics of historical research. Database management systems are described, strengths and weaknesses of one software package (dBaseII) for historical research are discussed, and a conceptual and practical guide for teaching historical research methods with dBaseII is provided. (RM)

Intended for use in Marxist-Leninist theory courses in Chinese institutions of higher education, this syllabus discusses and interprets Chinese policies and events, from 1949 through 1981, considered most important by the current communist party leadership. In addition to the text, educational objectives, supplementary reading assignments, and…

National History Day is an opportunity for friendly competition and esprit d'corps, the topic of which in 1984 is family and community. Results of the 1983 national competition are discussed, with particular emphasis on how New England schools fared. (IS)

Looks at the value of historical novels to children. (Editor)

Inquiry learning is a teaching/learning method which requires that students utilize the same problem-solving processes as social scientists and historians. A lesson plan illustrating the principles of inquiry learning in social science education is included. (JDS)

Explores the use of family history projects in American history courses as a means of encouraging students to learn about their own families and to see their families as historical actors. Two family history questionnaires are included. (Author/DB)

This document reviews a dozen history textbooks. The following American History textbooks are reviewed: (1) Joyce Appleby, Alan Brinkley, and James M. McPherson, The American Journey: Building a Nation (Glencoe, 2003), and Joyce Appleby, Alan Brinkley, Albert S. Broussard, James M. McPherson, and Donald A. Ritchie, The American Republic Since 1877…

This article is a description of my first year as a history teacher. The purpose of it is to help any preservice teacher who is about to enter a classroom for the first time. I explain instruction patterns and management skills that are vital to any starting teacher. The introduction deals with explaining my situation. It covers the demography and…

This publication provides a list of history standards and benchmarks embodying content that is highly valued nationally and in the Central Region states (Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming). It is intended to assist curriculum directors, social studies coordinators, and others who seek to identify…

This book is developed to make the teaching and learning of history a powerful and enjoyable experience in the classroom through the study of historical mysteries. What better place to snoop around and dig through mysterious graves than in history class? This book takes ten mysterious events in history from ancient Egypt to the 21st century for…

This paper documents how 390 history students in the fifth through twelfth grades understood history in ways related to their teachers' involvement in university-situated professional development. During the 3-year study, the research team traced the principal elements and goals of the professional development programs (via pretests and posttests)…

A substantial amount of research and curriculum development completed over the past 2 decades can be used to improve the teaching of U.S. history to young children. This digest discusses: (1) insights from recent research; (2) insights from recent curriculum development; and (3) connections of research to curriculum development. The digest…

Teaching history using children's literature, both fiction and non-fiction, is an old idea enjoying new vitality in the elementary and middle school curriculum. This digest discusses: (1) the revival of interest in teaching history through children's literature; (2) research-based guidelines for teachers of history and children's literature, and…