Reviews computer software programs that are useful for teaching history. Three categories are examined: reference libraries on CD-ROMs and videodisks; multimedia electronic textbooks; and single-event programs. A chart that indicates publisher, hardware requirements, price, grade level, program information, print capabilities, and special features…

Three students describe how teachers were able to make the learning of history exciting and encourage historical investigations. The use of primary sources of information to stimulate interest in history is recommended as a means of providing curricular differentiation for gifted students, and activities using primary sources are described. (JDD)

Asserts that increasing numbers of history teachers design courses to have students use historical research and processing skills. Reports on a study of 120 middle school students about their perceptions of what historians do. Concludes that the study provided teachers a means of assessing student understanding of historians. (CFR)

Asserts that one way to make the study of history more interesting to students is for teachers to help them understand how historians recreate the past. Maintains that students who engage in historical investigations utilize primary sources, develop thinking skills, and draw conclusions on their own. (CFR)

Analyzes religious, environmental, and imperialistic rationalizations for racism throughout history. Examines how racist doctrines, stereotypes, and racial prejudice were instilled in the British education system through school textbooks and children's literature. Suggests this process of socialization created implicit, deeply rooted prejudices…

A symposium that focused on the education of chemistry teachers in China at predominately the middle and high school levels is discussed. The topics of curriculum and textbook reforms, instructional uses of modern technology, science-technology-society, collaborative efforts with educational psychologists, hands-on laboratory work, and the…

Principles of W. Kintsch's reading comprehension model (1978, 1980) were used to revise an expository text. Two experiments with 170 undergraduates and 125 Air Force recruits indicated that the principled revision conveyed the author's intentions better than the original text, suggesting the model's use for text improvement. (SLD)

Presents study results adapting a social studies textbook to hypermedia format. Discusses study guides intended to increase the amount of instructional time for students, create a system offering curriculum enhancement and access, and decrease demands on teacher time. Concludes that hypermedia is as effective as lecture, especially for remedial…

Issues of gender and race are arising more frequently in new, expanded law texts, law school classroom discussion, and legal scholarship. Supporters feel the trend is appropriate, even belated, in an increasingly diverse society. (MSE)

Describes art education in elementary schools in Japan and the content of their art textbooks. Maintains that the challenges of developing skills, making choices, and learning about the artistic heritage that are offered to Japanese children also should be offered to U.S. children. (KM)

Reports a survey that indicates approximately half of U.S. political science departments offer an introductory course in urban politics and that enrollments have remained steady, although the course's popularity has declined since the 1970s. Discusses textbooks used and course objectives, revealing a shift from a reformist orientation to…

Asserts that to establish standards-based education in K-12 geography, educators must develop strong instructional materials; train teachers to use those materials; and ensure adoption of the materials by providing curricular guidance. Maintains that alternatives to traditional content and instruction must be used. (CFR)

Contends that, in recent years, the growth of experimental economics as a field of research has led to increased interest in using games and experiments in the economics classroom. Summarizes 12 reports on using experimental economics in the classroom and concludes that the method encourages student interest and learning. (CFR)

Maintains that higher education in the former East Germany is facing a new beginning highlighted by the restoration of academic freedom in teaching and research. Describes how the faculty of the Historical Institute at the University of Griefswald dealt with political censorship before German reunification. Concludes that administrative and…

Reviews geography instruction in Israel (Palestine) during past century beginning with end of Ottoman Empire to 1993 and concentrating on period since beginning of Israeli nation in 1949. Contends local and regional geography was emphasized rather than universal and systematic geography. Concludes geography is viewed as important part of national…