This book, part of the Touchstones to Local History project of Russell Sage College, is designed for social studies teachers seeking to incorporate local history in their social studies curricula by utilizing local history materials. Ten forms of historical materials are reviewed in terms of their classroom use: published resources, personal…

This guide is designed to introduce high school teachers of American history to the most recent scholarship dealing with the origins of the U.S. Constitution. Surveys of recent scholarship on constitutional origins are organized by the following topics: historiography of the Convention, the Anti-federalists, The Federalist Papers, ratification of…

This document is a study of the dynamics of National History Day (NHD). The report notices a discrepancy between accounts of National History Day and those concerning contemporary history education. Contemporary history instruction was seen as boring and unimportant, while National History Day activities were seen as a fun opportunity for students…

Student choices in completing recently initiated general education distribution requirements at a public four-year college were studied in 1982. The bachelor of arts degree requirements consist of two mathematics courses, three natural science courses, three social science courses, three humanities courses, and a two-course Western heritage…

An innovative interdisciplinary undergraduate history designed to increase student interest is described. The modular course studies a number of current interest topics from the point of view of history and other academic disciplines. (DE)

The educational aims and objectives of industrial archaeology are defined. Short descriptions of how it is used in English secondary schools are provided. (DE)

Picture postcards from the early 20th century provide useful primary sources for an interesting and accurate portrayal of American culture. (Author/DE)

Reports on one technical institution which awards a B.S. in science degree when a student can display competencies in selected fields of engineering and a project which interrelates the problems of society with technology. This latter requirement, the interactive qualifying project, and the development of the program from the historian's point of…

This article describes the experience of Southern Technical Institute (Georgia) in setting up humanities and social science courses in ways that will interest technical students. A sample course description of "United States History Since 1876" is provided, along with lists of resulting benefits and recommendations. (NHM)

The contract system where the student makes his own decision about the grade he desires and then works toward the achievement of that goal is examined. Five pass/fail assignments for a U.S. history course are suggested as possible student tasks. (DE)

This paper describes and analyzes teacher conceptions of the meaning of history. Previous research points to teacher conceptions as a crucial variable guiding curriculum decisions. Data for the study were collected through survey questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed by content analysis of fieldnotes, frequency analysis, and cross…

Primary sources can be very important in the teaching of history, as they expose students to historical concepts in ways that books and articles cannot. Primary sources, such as historical documents, capture the interest of students and personalize and humanize history for the student. Use of such sources also helps the students develop important…

This paper discusses three diverse philosophical schools of thought that pertain to the teaching of history. The identification of objectives, selection of learning activities, and methods of pupil achievement appraisal are outlined for each school of thought. Experimentalism emphasizes diverse methods of instruction, a stimulating environment,…

The life of James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," and his role in U.S. history are discussed in this guide to an educational program designed to acquaint students with Madison prior to a class field trip to his home, Montpelier. An essay on Madison and the Constitution is included, as well as a vocabulary list, a historic…

Fifteen activities for secondary social studies classes are provided in this unit that focuses on four central ideas stressing the role that land and the free market played in the Industrial Revolution. (1) "Women and Property" discusses the changes in both the status and rights of women, particularly in terms of women's rights in land.…