Advocates using the inquiry method to teach history. Maintains that gifted students will be more interested in history if history is approached as inquiry. Explains how the teacher can play the role of moderator in the high school history classroom. (Author/DB)

Analyzes various elementary school social studies publications to determine Columbus's treatment as a heroic figure as well as treatment of the native perspective and factual accuracy. The analysis looks at frequency of appearance, the descriptive adjectives used, his presentation pictorially, and critical thinking questions asked about him.…

Discusses the problems of teaching about women in history. Suggests that women are presented in basic historical survey courses as helping men do what men wish to do, for shock value, and in the politics of woman suffrage. Recommends developing means of viewing economic and social relationships as socially constructed rather than natural. (DK)

The topic of immigration is frequently taught in middle school classrooms as part of the history of America, for this country is indeed a "land of immigrants." Special emphasis is usually given to immigration that occurred a century or more ago, but contemporary immigration may prove to be a more compelling way to view this concept.…

This guide is designed to introduce high school teachers of American history to the most recent scholarship dealing with the origins of the U.S. Constitution. Surveys of recent scholarship on constitutional origins are organized by the following topics: historiography of the Convention, the Anti-federalists, The Federalist Papers, ratification of…

This paper describes and analyzes teacher conceptions of the meaning of history. Previous research points to teacher conceptions as a crucial variable guiding curriculum decisions. Data for the study were collected through survey questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed by content analysis of fieldnotes, frequency analysis, and cross…

As a teacher of history in the early 20th century, Henry Johnson believed in the importance of making history meaningful to students. He hoped that it would teach critical inquiry skills which could be used throughout life. He also emphasized the developmental aspect of history to explain how the present grew out of the past. Johnson studied the…

Suggests an interview approach which junior high and high school social studies teachers can use to increase the interest level of students in history classes. It is suggested that the teacher role play an historical figure. Objectives of the exercise are to make history come alive, teach the basic principles of the oral history interview, and…

Critiques U.S. military assumptions concerning the war in Vietnam. Discusses the North Vietnamese strategic approach to gaining control of South Vietnam. Traces the history of the Vietnam War, analyzing specific U.S. military operations in Vietnam and reasons for their failure. Contends that U.S. strategic ethnocentrism lead to defeat in Vietnam.…

Describes a collection of materials on Czechoslovakia that can be ordered as teaching aides to connect history lessons on democracy to the present situation in Europe. Contains the following materials: (1) a biographical profile of Vaclav Havel; (2) maps; (3) literature; (4) photos; (5) readings; and (6) teaching activities. (JS)

Analyzes 10 widely used secondary history textbooks for references to Christianity and the Religious Right in contemporary American history (after 1945). Discusses the relationship of private faith and public behavior, President Jimmy Carter's faith and motivations, the Religious Right and politics, television evangelism, and textbooks' inadequate…

This paper attempts to clarify: (1) the need to educate citizens to cope with contemporary global challenges and (2) the purpose of history and to examine the way to organize history in the global age. The document suggests that the purpose of world history and national history is to enable students to develop a global perspective and that world…

Enumerates ways in which social studies classroom teachers can increase student interest in American history by incorporating studies of ethnic groups at various points in history into the curriculum. (DB)

Chronicles the growth of oral history since 1948 and describes several classroom projects using the oral/aural technique. Projects focus on oral war accounts, an oral history of local businesses, and oral validity in history. (Author/DB)

Presents a bibliography and suggests a number of topics around which a college level history course on Latin American women could be organized. Course topics include migration of women, definition of sex roles, legal status of women, women's work and society, feminism, politics, religion, women and the family, and women's education and…