A limited body of research examines the extent to which social studies teachers are actually utilizing primary sources that are accessible in traditional classroom-based formats versus web-based formats. This paper initiates an exploration of this gap in the literature by reporting on the result of a survey of secondary social studies teachers,…

In this article, the author reviews his unsuccessful and successful strategies for teaching research and analytical skills, which illustrate changes in his assumptions about and attitude toward teaching. Older and perhaps wiser as well, the author no longer assumes that students already know how to do what teachers expect them to be able to do by…

Research has shown that state virtual or digital libraries are evolving into websites that are loaded with free resources, subscription databases, and instructional tools. In this article, the author explores these evolving libraries based on the following questions: (1) How user-friendly are the state digital libraries?; (2) How do state digital…

The pedagogy of teacher education is an understudied area; this includes the teaching of educational history to education students. In this article I highlight the teaching of educational history and current issues in teacher education through the use of what I call historical and current case studies. I examine work done in a pilot study that…

Four rural teachers are honored for their work in technology in the classroom. In the process of developing their programs, these teachers worked with students to integrate technology into the curriculum; inspired other teachers to be more intrigued by technology; and included the community, inviting their input and ideas. Portfolios in narrative…

This booklet, a revised and updated edition of the 1981 Cutting-Baker original work, "Folklife and the Library of Congress: A Survey of Resources", introduces the Library of Congress from the perspective of folklife resources. It also points out some of the relevant materials in various divisions and suggests routes of access to those…

This handbook contains lesson plans developed by secondary teachers for working with primary source materials drawn from 20th century novels and motion pictures. Readers are encouraged to adapt these materials to fit their own teaching. Lessons are developed around: (1) "The Jungle," (Upton Sinclair); (2) "Gandhi" (film); (3) "All Quiet on the…

This skills-text is the first of four books in the series "Readings in American History." The materials allow opportunities to improve reading and comprehension skills in a subject matter context by using certain primary sources related to the topic. Book I covers the time from the European discovery of the Americas in 1492 to the end of…

Using primary sources, this unit explores the founding of the 12th and most successful of the English colonies in North America, Pennsylvania. Established by the Quaker civil libertarian William Penn, Pennsylvania was intended to demonstrate that a society founded on mutual respect, tolerance, and individual responsibility could flourish. The…

This unit is one of a series that presents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. To explore the African past it is necessary to examine African civilization before colonization and to expose students to the richness that this past reflects. This unit provides students with a taste of the African…

This paper discusses the use of General Horace Porter, President Ulysses S. Grant's personal friend and closest adviser through the latter stages of the U.S. Civil War and into Grant's presidency. During the Civil War, Porter made field observations, suggested strategy, and relayed orders among commanders. As adviser to the president, Porter wrote…

This publication is intended for teachers bringing a class to visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C., for a workshop on primary documents. The National Archives serves as the repository for all federal records of enduring value. Primary sources are vital teaching tools because they actively engage the student's imagination so that he or…

This study focuses on the relationship between an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher's philosophy of teaching history and his selections of Internet-based, instructional materials to help with curriculum and instruction decisions. The objective of the research is an investigation of two reciprocal influences: (1) the teacher's philosophy of…

This report summarizes two joint sessions held by the Indian Nations At Risk Task Force and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education to hear testimony on educational issues related to Native American language and culture. Educators, students, parents, and tribal officials made presentations concerning: the importance for academic success…

This report summarizes two joint sessions held by the Indian Nations At Risk Task Force and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education to hear testimony on issues in Native American postsecondary education. Issues and problems are: (1) recruiting Native students and helping them choose a college; (2) difficulties Native students face at…