Asserts that authentic assessment can be applied successfully to the social studies. Describes a long-term, role-playing activity recreating the voyages of Ibn Battuta, who lived during the Islamic golden age. Includes project objectives, student assignments, a biographical sketch of Ibn Battuta, and a model of a student presentation sheet. (CFR)

Discusses the debate between proponents of western civilization and of world or global history. Proposes using disputed theoretical ground as a common resource. Explores the origins of global consciousness in western civilization. Examines the contributions of nonwestern civilizations to the development of global history. Urges consideration of…

Discusses changes in society resulting from improved access to information and describes sociocultural, political, economic, and technological trends that influence the information field. The following challenges for the information field are addressed: the need for recruitment; appropriate education, including continuing education; visual…

Discusses the relationship of technology to school restructuring and describes new educational directions that incorporate technology and support restructuring. Topics discussed include higher order cognitive skills; long-range vision and planning; transdisciplinary education; metacognition; global stewardship; human values; lifelong learning;…

Shows how studying sources of popular music and instruments help students understand historical patterns of immigration and geography. Presents lessons and materials for exploring origins of popular musical instruments and music that developed in the United States from other cultures. Includes several related classroom activities, recommended…

A September 1991 National Council for Social Studies report urges that social studies instruction for middle school students should focus on developing young adolescents' self-esteem, personal ethics, democratic values, and concern for the larger world. These values are fostered by using experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction,…

Explores why some European countries are much more eager than the United States to endorse international environmental treaties and the roles history, culture, economics, and geography play. Influential policymakers throughout Austria, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are interviewed. (12 references) (Author/MCO)

Reprinted from the April 1966 "Journal of Geography," questions what geography could contribute to general education. Observed that new federal programs allow geography to demonstrate the potential contributions of the field. Presented a fundamental perspective for geography instruction that urged a world system theme for curriculum organization.…

Suggests integrating teaching geography and other cultures within the context of children's literature in grades three through six. Provides instructions for teaching geographic vocabularies and concepts through a Chinese children's story, in which the author uses the physical landscape to set the stage for the story. (NL)

Presents a lesson plan designed to create an understanding of the concepts of interdependence and cross-cultural communication. Students are divided into groups. Each group is given an envelope containing materials insufficient to complete their task (providing food, clothing, and shelter for the populace). They must negotiate with the other…

Explores outreach activities that universities can develop to help individuals and organizations prepare for the challenges of today's interconnected international environment. Activities include promoting international business capacity, creating networks to raise awareness of global trends, supporting elementary/secondary school global…

A qualitative, longitudinal study of community colleges, including four Canadian institutions, sought to (1) identify and analyze actual institutional behaviors as they adjust to the demands of globalization, and (2) examine the evolving development of the community college as a social institution by focusing on the actions and conditions leading…

Describes a collaborative action research project at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) which utilized class debates in an international management class to develop students' ability to assess their own and each other's learning. Evaluation suggests the debates enabled students to develop a critical view of the topics and acquire…

Maintains that analysis and interpretation of the global economy should consider its effects on cities and communities. Asserts that this relationship is more complex and symbiotic than generally perceived. Argues that this relationship is creating new socioeconomic structures of class, work, and power. (MJP)

Presents a simulation that focuses on Kurdish nationalism and the struggle for autonomy and independence from the states that rule over Kurdish lands. Students assume the roles of either one of the countries directly involved or the governing body of the United Nations. Includes extensive background material. (MJP)