Presents two composite and contrasting cases of how elementary school children are taught history. One student receives instruction heavily slanted toward institutional political history, while the other learns these concepts incorporated throughout social history illustrated with different types of learning activities. Suggests workable…

Describes a broad variety of instructional ideas and activities designed to make history come alive for the intermediate grades. These include personal time lines, interviewing grandparents, and show and tell with personal artifacts. Includes a section of activities designed specifically to work with historical fiction. (MJP)

Briefly discusses the approaches and treatment given to George Washington in most K-12 classrooms. Argues that history is more than a rote memorization of facts, and describes several programs in Texas that have attempted a broader and more consistent approach. Discusses Washington's relevance for today's students. (MJP)

Explicates the fascinating origins (and conflicting versions thereof) for a number of well-known folk songs including, "Casey Jones,""John Henry,""Frankie and Johnny," and "Tom Dooley." Notes that source material on these and other songs is widely available through liner notes, folk song periodicals, and folklore journals. (MJP)

Maintains that most history textbooks support the traditional view that dropping the atom bomb on Hiroshima (Japan) was necessary to end World War II and save U.S. lives. Briefly articulates the revisionist view that the bombing's main purpose was to intimidate the Soviet Union. Reviews six textbooks. (MJP)

Describes strategies and learning activities designed to create connections between students' feelings and historical incidents. The interdisciplinary activities often combine novels, writing assignments, and guest speakers. The students also conduct mock trials concerning historical issues and conduct their own research. (MJP)

Highlights the scholarship that exists on the World War II homefront covering topics such as World War II as a good war, Franklin D. Roosevelt, economic policy, propaganda, status of women and women's employment, the role of African Americans, racial violence, and the Japanese American experience. (CMK)

Describes an academic bridge course designed to prepare advanced students in an intensive English program (IEP) for university studies. Findings reveal that this course is an effective tool for preparing English-as-a-Second-Language students for an American university. (21 references) (Author/CK)

Advocates adapting a postmodernist approach to history instruction. This would mandate recognizing the subjectivity of all knowledge including the historical record. Recommends embracing this subjectivity and focusing less on history as a subject and more on the development of critical-thinking skills. (MJP)

Explores contributions to educational policy and practice of tensions about and aspirations for the future of Hong Kong. Examines political and economic influences on educational development during five historical periods, 1844-1997. Presents three recent case studies of connections between the "1997 factor" and educational policy,…

Canadian schools have not respected or honored the history of Canada Natives. Much of what is taught are stereotypes or myths. Native organizations have developed materials that present a more honest and respectful perspective on Aboriginal culture. But for effective change to happen, teachers must develop the will to learn for themselves and make…

Asserts that history departments in undergraduate programs should train secondary social studies teachers. Asserts that history professors are content experts and previously may have been successful secondary teachers, willing to experiment with teaching methods. Discusses how history departments can train secondary social studies teachers. (CMK)

Advances a line of research that investigates the potential of hypermedia resources and scaffolding for supporting problem-based social studies and developing critical reasoning. The line of inquiry consists of a series of generative design experiments that informs problem-based curriculum development. The experiments examined 11th grade U.S.…

Identifies problems plaguing social studies' future developments, including the content-process approach debate. Recommends a synoptic approach, based on meeting psychological students' needs and connecting ideas to learners. Argues against a uniform national social studies curriculum. Urges compromise among social studies teachers and researchers…

Provides a sequence of skills development from grades 9 through 12 for students who are taking advanced-level courses. The skills are sequenced through a program that includes ninth grade government and geography, tenth grade world history, and eleventh and twelfth grade Advanced Placement history courses. (GG)