The author makes a case for keeping sensitivity and intuitive approaches in the science classroom. The importance of emotional connections with other organisms, considered a critical part of enriched, effective scientific thinking, is emphasized. Female and male learning styles are described. (KR)

Presents social studies' dichotomous two faces in its goals, content, and methods: the declarative versus hypothetical modes. Delineates the problem of education to produce good citizens or critical thinkers. Argues that the National Commission on Social Studies report, "Charting A Course," fails to provide a social studies program…

A nonmajors course entitled Ideas and Concepts in Physics that surveys the conception and development of ideas in classical and modern physics is described. Details of the syllabus and suggestions for incorporating an historical approach into the physics curriculum on both the precollege and college levels are provided. A bibliography of materials…

Discusses teaching of critical thinking in introductory college government classes. Emphasizes identifying, evaluating, and constructing arguments as fundamental skills. Suggests text and methods for developing these skills. Argues that government classes involve too much information to allow students to retain much if taught in the traditional…

Suggests that both general and developmental education focus on such preparatory skills as communicating effectively and thinking critically. Describes current approaches combining general and developmental education. Explains the mechanics of cross-over teaching between the two domains. (PAA)

Describes how elementary and secondary students use computers to create prequels to videos shown in their English classes. Discusses how the activity promotes critical thinking, predictive viewing, reading, and writing skills. (MG)

Describes the social studies fair held every 3 years in St. Louis County, Missouri, for kindergarten through grade 12. Explains the fair is to encourage students to research an important social studies idea or concept and plan a project that turns an abstract idea into a concrete representation. Outlines the planning and logistics of such a…

Recommends teaching students to recognize bias in news reports and how personal preferences infringe on objective judgment. Provides two class activities designed to help students understand this concept. Uses the Cinderella story from three cultures and group discussion to illustrate this technique. (NL)

Notes that teachers can make writing assignments more acceptable by using innovative techniques. Suggests that using letter writing for research projects is a good motivational technique. Asks students to assume roles of persons of a specific historical period and write from the first-person perspective. Includes sample letter. (NL)

Examines the role of the hero in U.S. culture and how the social studies have treated heroes. Urges teachers to explore the ethical dimensions of superheroes. Indicates how Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr., for example, need to be understood in their own cultural context and in the fullness of their humanity. (CH)

Argues that, to maximize a child's educational experience in history/social science, it is imperative that teachers utilize a whole-brain teaching approach by using a variety of experiences that stimulate both sides of the brain. Discusses the three general modes in which students appear to learn: oral, visual, and kinesthetic. Suggests specific…

Discusses criticisms of global education by Gregg L. Cunningham in a report for Thomas G. Tancredo, and the National Council for the Social Studies' response to the report. Contends that an ethnocentric curriculum restricts students ability to think critically. Distinguishes between cultural relativism and moral relativism. (DB)

Examines the extent to which the following reform proposals have students' development of critical thinking skills as their aim: (1) the National Commission on Excellence in Education's "A Nation at Risk"; (2) Ernest Boyer's "High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America"; and (3) the Carnegie Foundation for the…

Parents (n=703) in a college freshman summer orientation program indicated the skills most needed to face future challenges: communication skills, computer skills, critical thinking and decision making, interpersonal skills, and adaptability. These skills correlate with those taught in general education courses, underscoring the relationship…

Reviews the history, characteristics, and impact of the New Social Studies movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Describes the educational goals, teaching methods, and instructional materials commonly used in the New Zealand social studies curriculum. (CFR)