Contends that anthropology should provide the focus for the elementary social studies curriculum. Delineates concepts and generalizations for such a curriculum and suggests activities to build anthropological understanding. (GG)

Describes the history of struggles that have led to recent revolutions and reforms in Poland. Attributes the breakup of the Soviet bloc to both internal and external factors. Discusses local government in Poland from 1950 to the current trend toward decentralization. Addresses political, organizational, economic, and financial issues. Makes…

Folktales as reflections of a culture provide many kinds of information for social studies that are unmatched in the elementary school. However, teachers must be alert to the potential of folktales to present unintended or erroneous information. (RM)

Contends that the United Nations actively works to improve living conditions in Honduras. Discusses United Nations efforts to improve education through teacher education. Asserts that, although the United Nations has extensive operations in Honduras, education about the UN in Honduran schools is superficial. (CFR)

Presents an activity designed to assist students in examining and reflecting on their personal values. Argues that students need to know themselves to explore the values of others and to develop an open-minded perspective on the cultural values of others. (DB)

Presents survey results from U.S. and Japanese high school and college students on the current state and future of the relationship between their two countries. Identifies major issues and explaining how to improve the relationship. Concludes that the students were most concerned with the development of understanding between the two cultures. (DK)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Asserts that social studies is a transnational phenomenon and maintains that the visit provided a vivid illustration of many of the intellectual issues that lie at the heart of the discipline. (CFR)

Asserts that stereotyped images often interfere with accurate and effective instruction about Latin America. Describes the "traveling suitcases program" developed by the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Florida. Compares the strengths and deficiencies of the traveling suitcase concept of instructional materials.…

The teachers of second languages and the teachers of social studies share a weighty responsibility to help students move toward global understanding and multicultural awareness. Possible areas of cooperation between the two disciplines, as well as constraints, are discussed. (RM)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Focuses on the need for an international thrust on environmental education. Discusses efforts by seven African nations to develop a common basic social studies text on curriculum and methods. (CFR)

Asserts that the restoration of the People's Republic of China's membership in the United Nations in 1971 signified China' return to the international community. Maintains that significant attention has been devoted to teaching about the United Nations. (CFR)

Presents an analysis and personal reflections on social and political changes in Russia between 1970 and 1994. Discusses how the social and economic changes have had a profound impact on elderly Russians. Concludes that the changes in Russia are a microcosm of those taking place throughout the world. (CFR)

Maintains that the United Nations Charter, which calls for "respect for human rights...without distinction to race, sex or religion" is commonly violated, particularly with respect to girls. Presents a lesson portraying dilemmas faced by four girls in different parts of the world as they confront problems. (CFR)

Discussing the language policy of the Soviet government with social studies students studying the USSR increases students' awareness of the multicultural nature of Soviet society and forces them to think about how such a society operates. Questions that teachers can use to lead a discussion concerning language issues are presented. (RM)

Reports on a study of 36 U.S. teachers and 114 teachers, administrators, and students in South Africa on their knowledge and opinions of each other's culture. Finds a low level of knowledge among U.S. teachers. Discovers that neither U.S. nor South African teachers include teaching about the South African elections in their curriculum. (CFR)