Reviews the computer simulation, "Civilization," and asserts that it offers exciting possibilities as an interactive introduction to world history and historical thinking. Includes a course syllabus in which "Civilization" serves as a central feature and two writing assignments based on the simulation. (CFR)

Contends that fiction can help students understand historical periods and events. Presents and discusses four criteria for selecting novels to be used in college courses on World War I and World War II. Includes a bibliographic essay on recommended novels for each war. (CFR)

Asserts that electronic media will transform how historians conduct research, teach, and present the past. Maintains that CD-ROM technology offers exciting possibilities for historical research. Provides a bibliographic essay on 16 history-oriented CD-ROM products. (CFR)

Asserts that professors of U.S. history have an important stake in the publication of standards for teaching history in the public schools. Discusses the development of the standards and controversies that emerged. Concludes that college historians will benefit if the voluntary standards are implemented. (CFR)

Presents a two-month historical research project for use in a sixth grade social studies class. Includes student use of artifacts, photographs, news clippings, maps, and oral histories obtained by interviews. Suggests that children compile a chronological history of their community to analyze, organize, and record what they have learned. (DK)

Examines how differences between history and sociology present challenges to teaching and practice utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. Observes historians emphasize development of literary writing skills whereas sociologists could benefit from greater attention to the role of writing. Advocates continuing efforts for interdisciplinary…

Provides two lesson plans for classroom use. Focuses on media influence on the use of alcohol and tobacco and on regulatory laws and their effect on drug use. Identifies connections that can be made to textbooks and magazine articles, as well as suggestions for opening, developing, and concluding each lesson. (DK)

Discusses the importance of attracting and maintaining student interest when teaching history. Argues that students learn best when they participate. Recommends using open-ended questions to motivate students to the process of studying history, making choices, and looking for answers. Emphasizes the value of mentoring, continuing education, and…

Presents three exercises, employing research of census materials (available from the National Archives), and class or independent field trips to cemeteries, historical societies, and libraries to teach immigration history. Advocates primary sources as teaching resources for family history studies. Includes three documents for classroom use.…

Supports research that says females develop a sense of empathy and justice that males do not. Argues that, as a result, women are better to understand and appreciate the multicultural composition of the United States. Suggests using oral histories and role playing to "interview" women on historical periods and topics. (CFR)

A survey of 40 British university students in their third year of history study investigated student motivation in studying history, the role of the teacher, characteristics of good and bad seminars, effectiveness of the lecture method, and perceptions of different student assessment methods. (MSE)

Suggests that students with limited English proficiency (LEP) can learn intellectually demanding material and acquire English skills simultaneously. Provides suggestions for structuring a course in U.S. history for this purpose. Includes instructional activities, materials, and references. Activities focus on textbook reading, text visuals, music…

Asserts that the whole-language approach is a philosophy of language learning that integrates four modes of communication--listening, speaking, reading, and writing--with a focus on content comprehension. Discusses how the approach is used as a primary component of the Florida K-5 Program of Study. (CFR)

Presents a lesson plan on the early settlement of California by Spanish and Mexican colonists. Discusses the physical and cultural changes in the region from Spanish colonial days to modern times. Includes two primary source readings, two maps, and diagrams of a colonial ranch site, now on the National Register of Historic Places. (CFR)

Contends that the development of professional historians in the late 1800s resulted in a conflict with teacher educators in teacher training institutions. Concludes that involving historians in precollegiate history issues in recent years has led to an improved image for secondary history teachers. (CFR)