Traces the evolution of a microcomputer literacy course at Northwestern University and the implementation of a lab section that used historical content to teach computers. Describes the software used and the methods employed in teaching computer techniques using historical data and instruction. Advocates teaching more than simple word processing…

Argues that a bold restructuring of curriculum is a more effective response to the problems in undergraduate history teaching than minor course innovations. Discusses the recent reformation of the history curriculum at Canada's Laval University, presenting an outline of the undergraduate history programs. (GEA)

Presents 11 ERIC documents selected specifically for secondary and college-level history teachers. Six documents examine the role of history teachers, with materials ranging from a rationale for teaching history to practical classroom applications in the field. Five documents include resources for teaching about the U.S. Constitution. (GEA)

A study of the relationship between anxiety, academic achievement, and students' preferred learning style and instructional climate found two kinds of dispositional stress. One, characterized by lack of self-confidence, was not conducive to social learning environments, and the other, similar to Type A behavior, was conducive to learning. (MSE)

Outlines a multimedia method for teaching about Spanish Golden Age Theatre which resulted in marked improvement in students' understanding of written and spoken Spanish. (CB)

Recommends Paul L. Murphy's 25-year-old article "Time to Reclaim: The Current Challenge of American Constitutional History" as a starting place for teachers interested in teaching about the history of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a three-page annotated bibliography of books on constitutional history. (BSR)

Briefly reviews theories of brain hemisphere functions and draws implications for social studies instruction. Maintains that the metaphor aids the development of understanding because it connects right and left brain functions. Provides a learning activity based on the metaphor of the U.S. government functioning as a machine. (BSR)

Examines the criticisms of social history, specifically those put forth by Gertrude Himmelfarb and Theodore Hamerow, stating that the condition of history as a discipline is not as bad as its critics believe. Argues that both social and traditional history are necessary for general education and for guiding public policy. (GEA)

Assessing the historical writing inspired by the U.S. Constitution's Bicentennial, Murphy states that, although a popular audience has been reached, major historiographical breakthroughs and revisionist reconceptualizations have been disappointingly small, with the exception of Edmund Morgan's "Inventing the People." Examines the…

Reviews how the popular stereotypes of American Indians have changed since the colonization of North America. Once seen as noble savages by European settlers, the popular stereotypes changed to become less and less positive as colonization advanced. Urges teachers to vigorously challenge the stereotypes and negative images. (JDH)

Discusses the history of baseball cards and their use in the classroom as historical documents. Includes five exercises which deal with trading cards and the game itself. Provides a blown-up version of a 1950's Minnie Minoso baseball card to be used with one of the exercises. (GEA)

Describes a series of writing assignments which may be used to develop writing skills among secondary level history students. The assignments are sequenced to begin with lower level intellectual skills and build student confidence. (BSR)

A high school senior contends the key to getting students interested in the subject of history is to allow them the freedom to focus their interest on an issue important to them. Such independent study allows history students to learn basic skills in compiling and sorting information, taking notes, writing papers, using a library, and critical…

Presents a scheme for teaching about Australia which uses the similarities and differences between that country and the United States as an organizational structure. Identifies Australian literature, which is appropriate for supplementing text material, and includes a chart of concepts that can be used for comparing and contrasting the countries.…

Suggests that simulations and new technologies present new ways to look at historical questions. Discusses approaches from basic board game simulations to the use of artificial intelligence. States that educators must accept new technologies as instructional tools and that the concept of history must be modified to work with these tools. (GEA)