Discusses the significance of the proliferation of new media for academic historians and their teaching. Describes the researcher's personal experiences incorporating multimedia technology into courses. Addresses points to consider before adopting multimedia as an individual or institution, including cost, standardization, and possible student…

Provides a brief introduction to ways functional grammatical concepts can be used to understand the distinctive literacy demands of school science and history texts. Distinguishes this grammar from that of everyday language; examines the characteristic grammatical and discourse forms of content area learning; and discusses developing functional…

The rhetoric and educational policies on the use of history for citizenship education in England are reviewed for the period from 1880 to 1990. The rhetoric about the contribution of history to citizenship education has been strong and consistent, challenged only by the discipline itself in recent years. (SLD)

Argues that historical understanding requires historical thinking--taking a critical stance toward what is read and assuming a questioning attitude. Identifies numerous trade books that deal with sources (showing how evidence is acquired and evaluated), conflicting interpretations, and powerful concepts and generalizations. Describes how to help…

Describes a team-taught course called Mythic America which integrated literature and history and which deepened students' understanding of each. Describes developing the course, its schedule, and its evaluation. Discusses the six major myths which were examined through readings in literature and history, and how they prompted students to think…

Argues that the idea of school history as learning the best version of the past, or even learning one or more versions, is inadequate practice. Contends that history education not only must teach about passages of the past, but also develop students' understanding of the nature and status of historical claims. (DSK)

Recounts the role of Congress in creating much of the New Deal legislation. Argues that the impetus for many pieces of legislation came from Congress, not from President Roosevelt. Suggests that the story of Roosevelt as mastermind was fostered by his assumption of greater executive power during World War II. (DSK)

Argues that architectural models allow students to express their ideas on a range of topics from dream homes and interior decorating to historical periods and places. Provides a general outline of the process of creating architectural models, from decorating shoeboxes to creating sophisticated models. (DSK)

Argues that mental timelines for learning history are analogous to mental mapping for learning geography: both visually represent abstract concepts. Describes the construction of a classroom timeline and activities for fifth- and sixth-grade students that incorporate the use of timelines. Notes reasonable expectations for student progress at this…

Examines adolescents who faced many comprehension challenges when studying diverse history content. Focuses on the challenges that an innovative history chapter with embedded texts presents to middle-grade students and the strategies and stances that student readers use in relation to these challenges. Examines the nature of students' historical…

A social studies wax museum can teach elementary students facts as they celebrate Halloween. A primary activity has students determine historic scenes to include in the wax museum, practice their poses, and put on a Halloween show. An intermediate activity has students research historic events, interpret information, create backdrops and props,…

Provides a review and analysis of research targeting the rift separating history written for adults and historical texts aimed at K-12 students. Emphasizes the role of personal agency in historical writing and discusses the relative silence of authorial voices within the discourse of history textbooks. (Contains 120 references.) (Author/SLD)

Discusses how stories can be used to "teach" history and science. Provides many examples of how this is done in the author's Montessori classroom. Explains the ramifications of using stories in classrooms and how it inspires children to research a topic in greater depth. (JS)

Describes how one Hawaiian elementary teacher uses drama and folklore to teach students about historic events and human rights, guiding students through an active, hands-on reconstruction of a dramatic historic event (nuclear testing in the Bikini Atoll) and providing just enough information at each step of the story to elicit accurate, emotional…

Presents two experiences of the author as history professor. Finds the teaching-learning of history vitally related to the life of the students, an approach that increases interest and provides the opportunity for shared interest and social interaction. Emphasizes the important role that the Internet can exercise. (BT)