Presents three different articles on social studies. Includes an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of textbook use in social studies and a teaching method using puppets to represent historical or political personalities for debate, discussion, and interviews. Describes a program in which students learn about geography and other cultures by…

The article presents several activities designed to sharpen students' listening and observation skills and help them practice finding and evaluating alternatives to classroom conflicts and conflicts they may encounter elsewhere. Activities include solution skits, role playing, reading and writing conflict stories, and making comic strips. (SM)

Presents an annotated bibliography of works in hopes of stimulating interest in and promoting scholarly activity about teaching history of psychology. Organizes 56 articles into 3 categories: projects, perspectives, and evaluations. Argues there is a serious need for thorough evaluative research. Includes departmental histories, role playing,…

Describes a classroom simulation that has students role play membership in the United Nations. Students are assigned countries and through research and debate learn that country's position on international issues. The culminating activity has students participate in a mock United Nations Assembly vote. Argues that this method encourages students…

A method is outlined for social work students to evaluate their own interviewing techniques. Students focus on their implementation of critical components of the initial interview in role plays, field placements, and class assignments. An interview checklist is included as a tool for operationally defining and monitoring interview components.…

Argues that free expression is an important concept to teach to introductory advertising students. Explains how free expression can be taught through student role playing within a talk show format. Reports research showing student enthusiasm for the method. Concludes that the method can be successful in the large lecture classroom format. (SG)

First grade teachers detail how they successfully taught students assertiveness techniques for conflict resolution. Three times weekly, children learned to express themselves and take more responsibility for their behavior. Role playing was an important component. Teachers modeled assertive behavior, and parents were apprised of the situation so…

Describes a multifaceted administrator leadership workshop that relies on case studies, role playing, and peer coaching exercises to enhance leadership skills. Administrators work collaboratively with staff members to analyze problems, prioritize needs, make decisions, and facilitate these three processes by using a repertoire of group dynamic…

Asserts that there are many advantages to working in a controlled laboratory environment when teaching market structures in economics. Introduces the concept of competitive market experiments, makes a renewed case for their use in economics instruction, and proposes an expanded format for reporting experimental results. (CFR)

Proposes having students perform skits in which they play the roles of the science concepts they are trying to understand. Provides the dialog for a skit in which hot and cold gas molecules are interviewed on a talk show to study how these properties affect wind, rain, and other weather phenomena. (MDH)

Describes a two or three-class period length secondary simulation exercise designed to teach about federalism and the system of checks and balances. Provides a list of the roles to assigned to or picked by students. Includes models of two bills to be submitted to Congress during the simulation. (CFR)

One Maryland school district incorporated conflict-resolution strategies with learning opportunities, infusing it into the regular K-12 curriculum. Teacher workshops produced seven conflict-resolution tools: brainstorming, questioning, active listening, conceptual thinking, role playing, triggering, and problem solving. Teachers received training,…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a 9-week collaborative metacognitive social skills intervention program on 16 middle school students attending a private, alternative suburban school for students with learning problems. The program used cooperative learning, role play, and art therapy to improve the students' social problem-solving…

Offers a lesson for secondary students that addresses the role of public schools in religious expression where the students consider how or if schools can accommodate the religious needs of students. Focuses on the religious obligations of Muslim students as a case study. Provides a student handout. (CMK)

Describes two classroom activities that introduce critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction. One is a debate, followed by position papers, on the contribution of Christopher Columbus. The other is a simulation of a Constitutional Amendment conference. Discusses which parts of the lessons specifically focus on critical-thinking…