Research on the psychological processes involved in historical thinking indicates that formal operational thinking skills required to understand history develop relatively late. Although studies have indicated teachers can do little to accelerate historical cognitive development, most scholars believe students at all levels can learn historical…

States that World War I served as a catalyst for rapid change in the teaching of history, geography, and current events. Indicators of change were found in professional journals such as THE HISTORY TEACHER'S MAGAZINE. Concludes that post-World War I social studies was more like our current curriculum than that which existed prior to the War.…

Notes that many literature students have disliked studying eighteenth century literature and reflects on the positive effect New Criticism has had on the teaching of it. Compares Kramnick's and Pocock's views with those of the New Criticism. (JC)

Describes a model for studying and identifying revolution condensed from Crane Brinton's "Anatomy of Revolution." Explains how the characteristics of the model can be applied to hypothetical, historical, and contemporary situations. Outlines the teaching sequence, illustrating how students are taught a historical model and how to apply…

Explaining that teaching history with novels works, Brandhorst provides guidance in making the use of historical fiction more effective. Discusses where in the curriculum historical fiction fits, examining the pros and cons of using the text first; the novel second; and vice versa. Concludes that historical fiction is useful for improving…

Presents a review of research literature that was undertaken to determine the extent to which research about teaching and learning history supports the current reform movement. Examines history's status in the schools, surveys recent trends in the history curriculum, explores how teachers use textbooks, and questions the appropriateness of history…

Shows impact of industrial development and public policies since 1899 upon Cree Indians at Lubicon Lake, Alberta, Canada. Details development-related destruction of Indian culture and economic base, creating welfare society. Reports Crees' 1987 protest of Calgary Olympics. Calls for educators to broaden and deepen approach to history and cultural…

Describes a course taught at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in which the process of technological change along with cultural and societal responses to these changes are explored. Includes a thematic course outline and the list of course requirements. (TW)

Discusses the use of a "crankie," a simple story device made from a cardboard box, in studying women's history in the high school classroom. Presents an example of a crankie story which focuses on Rosa Parks and the Montgomery (Alabama) bus boycott. Describes an evaluation process and assesses the activity's instructional value. (GEA)

Describes the nature of the "new" social history and a summer institute which introduced it to high school teachers in Illinois. Describes the institute, examines difficulties in "new" history implementation, and identifies future directions for "new" historians. (GEA)

Discusses California's Middle Grade Task Force and its report, "Caught in the Middle: Educational Reform for Young Adolescents in California Public Schools." Describes the 1987 revision of the California history-social science framework which emphasizes character development through studying the moral and ethical struggles of literary…

Reviews the history of cartography. Describes the contributions of Strabo and Ptolemy in early maps. Identifies the work of Gerhard Mercator as the most important advancement in mapping. Discusses present mapping standards from history. (CW)

Discusses a computer software package, available for the Apple Macintosh, which simulates the economic and social climate during the reign of Louis XIV of France, 1638-1715. Describes the benefits of using the program as a tool for teaching social history. Includes a course outcome and brief bibliography. (GEA)

Reviews seven educational computer software packages covering such topics as presidential elections, the American Revolution, the Vietnam War, the construction of historical time lines, and general U.S. history. Also reviews a program designed to help tailor data entry files. Provides ordering information, price, and computer compatibility…

Proposes a list of goals for a research paper and focuses on implementing these goals through application of political/social theory to historical conflict in U.S. history. Demonstrates methodology through a step by step analysis of a specific paper assignment. Concludes that this type of research exercise provides students with a sense of…