Investigates the approach to citizenship education within the Seattle (Washington) Public Schools when Japanese American citizenship status was being questioned. Addresses the World War II era experiences of Japanese American students, focusing on two primary source documents: (1) a 1930's curriculum guide; and (2) a collection of classroom…

Discusses how social studies teachers can use document based question (DBQs) to improve student writing skills. Asserts the importance of English and social studies teachers, and teachers from different grade levels, to communicate with one another to improve their students' writing. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of using document-based instruction in social studies at the elementary school level. Describes an exercise used with preservice teachers that can train them to use this technique in their own classrooms. Lists the documents needed and the questions to ask during the activity. (CMK)

Describes problems encountered by public librarians when assisting students with assignments that are difficult or impossible to complete. Examples of librarians' successes in assertive, tactful communication with instructors and a list of solutions to inappropriate assignments are provided. Special emphasis is given to assignments dealing with…

Discusses how students research and publish self-guided walking tours under the guidance of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Assesses the educational value of the experience and suggests resources for creating a tour. Recommends strategies for researching ethnic neighborhoods, including the use of religious and secular institutions for…

Illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of oral histories through an oral history assignment that helps students understand the impact of the Vietnam War on the "Vietnam generation." Suggests introductory materials and lists exemplar interview questions for students to use in interviewing soldiers who were on active duty and those who…

Looks at changes in attitudes toward the intellectual development of infants and young children in the United States during the 20th century. Conducts a content analysis of samples of articles from the popular literature of the period. (KO)

Suggests using local history, primary source material, and comparative history to alleviate the boredom most students experience when studying the Reconstruction period of U.S. history. Provides an example of comparative history usage through a discussion of ante-bellum Maryland and the history of Liberia. (KO)

Utilizing primary sources, the article reconstructs the typical day of a 19th-century English headteacher. The headteacher's myriad duties included classroom management, school administration, and building maintenance. Concludes with a comparison between 19th-century education management and current practices. (MJP)

Argues that Wisconsin's normal schools presented a less restrictive and more coeducational environment than more prestigious universities. Utilizing primary and archival sources discovers that the normal schools achieved a remarkable degree of gender equity in their treatment of male and female students. (MJP)

Presents background information and learning activities about Camp Hoover, the presidential retreat built by President Hoover and later renamed Camp David. Includes three readings, three maps, two photographs, two drawings, and four student activities. (CFR)

Suggests study of the drug problem in Iowa during the 1800s to help put early drug legislation into perspective. Provides a basis for discussion of the recent drug problem. Includes a bibliography, articles from the Iowa press of the time, and a list of objectives such as understanding drug use, racism, and the media. (DK)

Asserts that all maps lie in two ways: (1) by concealing part of the whole truth or (2) by falsifying some part of the truth. Discusses how this topic can be used in geography instruction. Includes a description of class assignments and figures illustrating how maps and written directions include inaccuracies and deliberate lies. (CFR)

Describes "Saskatchewan Speaks," a volume of public documents and commentary that was compiled for a university course in provincial politics to show the development of the province of Saskatchewan. The need for alternative teaching material is discussed, copyright is addressed, and an index to documents in "Saskatchewan…

Suggests a history lesson using a petition written by prominent African Americans objecting to the coverage of African Americans at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Explains that African-American citizens were largely ignored in the exhibits. Includes questions for class discussion, writing activities, a copy of the petition, and research…