Responds to Graeme Decarie's recommendation to teach processes in introductory history by citing E. D. Hirsch's argument that a general body of knowledge is necessary for intelligent discourse. Argues that an understanding of historical chronology must be developed in the introductory history course. (LS)

Maintains that the definitions of what constitute primary and secondary sources in historical studies are arbitrary and oversimplified. Proposes three major categories and provides examples of each. Stresses the importance of these classifications in teaching students to be discriminating in their search for historical truths. (RW)

Discusses reforms of the traditional elementary school curriculum in the "History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve" (1987). Emphasizes a history-centered curriculum drawing widely on the social sciences and humanities and involving students in developmentally appropriate…

Gives examples of children's trade books which can enhance social studies topics dealing with everyday life in past times, the impact of historical events on the average person's life, historical facts, and sensitive issues in the students' lives. Lists the National Council for the Social Studies' 1986 Notable Children's Trade Books. (KO)

Discusses a local history project sponsored by The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine. States that studying a local community focuses students' attention on how people and historical events have shaped their own lives. Describes how the program helped a fourth grade class explore and understand the past and present, as well as prospects for…

Describes the successes and difficulties of a university-high school learning and writing program in which students engaged in real-time electronic conferences, conducted e-mail exchanges, and took part in several other forms of collaborative learning that demanded a great deal of writing on topics related to course readings and lectures. (SR)

Analyzes various elementary school social studies publications to determine Columbus's treatment as a heroic figure as well as treatment of the native perspective and factual accuracy. The analysis looks at frequency of appearance, the descriptive adjectives used, his presentation pictorially, and critical thinking questions asked about him.…

Computer software designed to help college students of history think like historians is described. The software enables students to search for patterns in large bodies of evidence using interactive access, through a map interface, to historical county-level United States census data. The software and a history course in which the software has been…

Discusses how changes in public school students and the culture that produces them have affected the teaching of history. Examines aspects of MTV's success for clues to the source of students' view of history as irrelevant. Attributes the view to the blurring of differences between the sacred and profane, connections between cause and effect, and…

Suggests that teachers use genealogy as a way of increasing student interest in history. Recommends an A, E, I, O, U approach to genealogy that calls upon students to ask questions, examine documents, interview family members, organize information, and utilize local resources. Proposes parent-child genealogical study sessions, field trips, and…

Reports on the activities of the Soviet Union's Academy of Pedagogical Sciences for the year 1989. Discusses improvements in general education syllabus development, textbooks for various subjects, and Russian language, Soviet history, and social sciences instruction. Examines educational differentiation and humanization. Reports on improvements in…

Discusses the historical and ecological significance of Christopher Columbus' contacts with the Americas. Suggests that 1992's Columbian quincentennial can be an occasion for improving teaching about Columbus. Underscores teachers' responsibility to provide a multidimensional view of the explorer's times. Cites the need to balance teaching about…

Provides an annotated list of materials dealing with Christopher Columbus. Includes articles, ERIC documents, children's magazines and books, discovery kits, films and videos, and other items. Concludes that educators are only now discovering the innumerable connections between Columbus' era and the present. (SG)

Discusses the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Criticizes contemporary condemnation of Columbus as unproductive. Acknowledges the deaths of countless Native Americans through disease and warfare. Recognizes that the pre-Columbian Americas did not comprise a paradise. Concludes that commemorating the…

Suggests using primary sources in history and social studies instruction. Offers reasons for teaching with primary sources. Proposes activities for developing students' investigative skills. Includes lessons dealing with detecting source bias, differentiating sources, using conflicting sources, and evaluating sources. Presents varied…