Describes a project in which eight preservice teachers and their instructor reviewed and revised materials for teaching about the Columbian Quincentenary in light of recent historical interpretations. Discusses issues related to the purpose of education and teaching. Concludes that curriculum decisions must be based on a continuous examination of…

Discusses scholarly criticism and media coverage of the controversy surrounding the effects of Christopher Columbus' voyages upon the Americas. Examines the reactions of some writers to some scholars' negative portrayals of Columbus. Argues that schools should continue to be the place for respectful study of the explorer. (SG)

Considers the effects on the family of the principles of individualism and capitalism that permeate Western culture. Finds Western culture creating autonomous, self-reliant, competitive, and consumer-oriented individuals, who create families that are chaotic, tenuous, and non-relational in their mode of operation. Discusses the educator's role in…

A broad, hemispheric approach to American history, called the Bolton thesis or a history of the Americas, can contribute something unique to a college curriculum formerly dependent on the more traditional surveys. It also poses some extraordinary challenges. Guidelines for teaching such a course are presented. (RM)

Relates observations of the Japanese educational system by a U.S. high school history teacher. Finds the Japanese system impressive but argues that such a centralized and authoritarian system would not work in the United States. Educators should learn from Japanese schools, not copy them. Recommends U.S. educators seek agreement on educational…

As suggested by a Colorado Academic Library Master Plan developed in 1982, a statewide conference that brought together academicians and librarians was held to explore the role of academic libraries in the information society. People came in teams of three from institutions and included library directors, academic vice presidents, and faculty…

Discusses Columbus's motivation for his explorations. Argues that his ideas of geography and navigation were not novel but based on ancient and medieval sources. Claims that Columbus was motivated by a belief that his destiny was to carry Christianity to pagans, thereby ushering in the end of the world and final judgment. (DK)

This document consists primarily of a compilation of nine articles, on the use of microcomputers in language arts instruction, that have been extracted from 1983-1985 issues of the journal "The Computing Teacher". Also included are various software reviews from the same period. The articles include: "Keyboarding Skills: Elementary,…

Describes life on a Canadian Indian reserve and discusses the role of the community in individuals' lives. Examines reasons why Canadian Indian teachers want to teach on the reserves. Concludes that the opportunity to serve as role models and a commitment to the community are the major reasons for teaching in these schools. (CFR)

A discussion of the movement to make English the only official language in the United States' multilingual society examines the nature and scope of the movement and draws instructional and language policy implications for teaching situations involving language-minority populations. It draws a relationship between the politics of language diversity…

Traces the barrel in history through language, literature, poetry, music, art, and architecture. Includes examples and anecdotes of barrels in movies, television, and recreation. Illustrates the impact of the barrel on U.S. culture. Emphasizes that the importance of such an example of technology cannot be adequately measured. (DK)

Savage, blood-thirsty, drunk, monosyllabic, naked, and primitive are the stereotypes of Native Americans in textbooks. These stereotypes are so pervasive that they tend to be accepted uncritically by the rest of society. The evidence suggests that many textbooks are biased and, in a large number of cases, outright racist. The concept of…

Analyzes social and economic challenges facing the Caribbean region. Examines colonialism's legacy, factors contributing to emigration, and social stratification. Emphasizes difficulties in self-determination created historically by externally introduced ideas, continuing U.S. hegemony, and cultural, racial, and ethnic differences. Provides maps…

The senior author of a textbook presenting U.S. and Canadian history in a comparative framework criticizes U.S. history textbooks for their interpretations of Native Americans and for their mystifying tendencies. Explains how "Canada: A North American Nation" presents a more detached perspective and offers a second opinion on some of the…

Reports that, in December 1991, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously agreed to establish "A New Partnership" program to help the world's indigenous peoples. Contends that the "Americanized New World Order" will not last and indigenous peoples will make social and political advances. (CFR)