Discusses the implementation of a student portfolio project in two high school history classes. Presents background arguments for employing portfolios; outlines the creation and evolution of the assignment; explains the assessment and individual interview process; and assesses the success of the assignment. Includes the assignment requirements…

Presents the result of an empirical study on the reception and effectiveness of historical material being included in the physics program of a Swiss high school. (Author/NB)

Describes a project to collect, organize, and analyze petitions to state legislatures and county courts concerning race, slavery, and free blacks in the South between 1776 and 1867. Presents a lesson plan designed to incorporate these, and similar documents, into middle-, and high-school history classes. Includes a sample document. (DSK)

Finds that, by teaching history in conjunction with literature, students grasp historical understanding because they begin to acquire a deeper understanding of their role in constructing the past. States that literature helps create strong images often missing in students' responses to nonfiction material. Gives Alejandro Morales's "The Brick…

Recommends and discusses texts that enable students to investigate the "typical" immigrant story, the parallels and differences in immigration experiences, and characteristics of immigrants. Provides vivid jumping-off points into complex and differentiated lives of real people often hidden beneath labels such as "immigrant." (CMK)

Discusses four ways to incorporate the genre of literature into the teaching of 20th-century U.S. history. Uses detective stories because they promote reflective inquiry, foster competent citizenship, and nurture social concern and ethical growth. Suggests different activities, discussions, and reading selections. (CMK)

Explores how the CD-ROM "Tiree, Famine and Clearance 1840-1900" facilitates the development of inquiry skills. Recreates the history of Tiree (Scotland) between 1840 and 1900, and describes the experiences of Tiree emigrants in Canada. Features a range of historical sources including photographs, archival film, and personal…

Presents brief annotations of 61 books of young adult historical fiction and nonfiction that address other time periods (biblical time period, the 1700s, the 1800s, the 20th century, political unrest overseas, and chronicles) that could be used in the classroom as part of a unit of study. Describes possible activities using five of the books. (SR)

Traces challenges to history's place in Canadian school curricula during the 20th century. Argues that while citizenship goals have provided the rationale for teaching history, history as a vehicle of citizenship education has come under assault. Considers the question of inclusion in the historical narrative and how it has been addressed. (DSK)

Argues that a view of First Ladies as "activist political partners" is the rule rather than exception, despite their omission from most textbooks. Suggests that biographies of First Ladies offer a fascinating way to study presidential politics and to illuminate the role of women in U.S. history. Discusses several First Ladies. (DSK)

Integrates a lesson on medieval European history with a class art project. Describes how students studied heraldry to design their own coat of arms and produce a relief sculpture shield depicting these arms. Lists materials needed and outlines the process of construction. (DSK)

Analyzes a set of undergraduate syllabi for a survey of the history of psychology. Identifies several trends: most instructors rely heavily on textbooks for course organization, three texts accounted for more than 60% of book choices, and newer areas of historical interest did not appear to any substantial degree. (DSK)

Recounts the author's experience teaching a course for doctoral students at New York University on dissertation research and writing. Argues that the course was as much about learning to be inspired as learning historical methodologies. Includes the full syllabus for the course with commentary. (DSK)

Analyzed the historical narratives of 10 adolescents in the same 11th grade history class to determine their perspectives on racial diversity. Analysis demonstrates that the students' racialized identities significantly influenced their concepts of the historical experiences of racial groups, the role of the government in these experiences, and…

Discusses the development of a living museum of history project in a middle school classroom, noting the pedagogical foundations for such instruction and the students' process of creating their exhibits. Presents sample worksheets for developing and evaluating exhibits. (JPB)