The author argues that in order to create space for authentic multicultural engagement in the face of Eurocentric norms, teachers should form discussion groups that follow five basic guidelines: engage, don't enrage; be comfortable with negative emotion; watch for and change unproductive language; talk about everything; and engage in classroom…

Describes the author's methods of teaching a high school course on the Vietnam War. The methods encourage student participation in discussions, role playing, and the questioning of guest speakers. Includes a list of written and audio visual materials used in the course. (GEA)

A high school student discusses symptoms of Americans' lack of interest in pursuing their dreams. The American dream has been replaced for many by the need for financial security. The decline of the American dream is reflected in our political leadership and in the decline in importance of intellectual pursuits. (RM)

Argues that high school American government classes should teach students the realities, not just the ideal, of government and politics in the United States. Gives suggestions for how to teach about elections, Congress, and economics and political parties. (SR)

Offers the opinions of four high school students about the importance of United States history. The students express opinions regarding teaching practices, course content, course requirements, and the sequencing of history courses within the high school curriculum. (JDH)

Describes a seven-week course on the Vietnam War. Tells how simulation exercises, guest speakers, primary sources, and period songs were used to heighten and maintain student interest. (GEA)

Reflects on the author's experiences teaching a course on great documents in American history to high school students, concentrating on teaching the Declaration of Independence and the "Federalist Papers." Countering the students' tendencies toward superficial reading and encouraging deep analysis are the teacher's primary goals. (SLD)

Presents a course in United States history (from Independence to the Civil War) as it is taught in a typical Danish senior high school. Criticizes typical U. S. textbooks which might be used for this course and provides in the course outline alternative material which is used. (JDH)

The teaching of history is part of the continuous process of redefining American civilization that lies at the center of what it means to be an American. A major challenge facing teachers of U.S. history is how to strike an appropriate balance between the forces of continuity and change. Much of the concern over history standards and the choice of…

Recognizes that teaching about the United States in England must emphasize the complexity and diversity of the American experience in order to build a meaningful sense of empathy for Americans among European pupils. Identifies impediments to accomplishing these goals. (JDH)

This National Council for History Education (NCHE) Occasional Paper presents the text of a speech given by Roger Mudd, a former network news correspondent and now a correspondent for the History Channel, to NCHE members. He spoke of his regard for the profession of teaching, and of the difficulty of being a teacher and the respect for teachers…

Provides brief review of results of a study of junior and senior high school United States history textbooks conducted by a panel of six educators and historians. In general, panel found that books ranged from strong to adequate in their content coverage. Coverage of pluralistic background, religion, and painful aspects of our history were areas…

Addresses the problem of overcoming the prime time commercial TV stereotype (e.g. "Dynasty,""Hill Street Blues," and "Dallas") of the United States as it is learned by European students. Focuses on European perceptions of post-World War II U. S. foreign policy and the damage that policy does to the image of Americans…

English is the subject in which it is most appropriate in Norwegian secondary schools to provide a general introduction to life in the United States. The American studies content of courses taught to students taking one to four years of English is presented. (JDH)

Three favorable reactions to an 11th-grade textbook chapter dealing with the history surrounding the writing of the U.S. Constitution that was written by experts as an example of an ideal textbook are presented. The evaluators thought that the chapter is in many ways exemplary and is a good initial attempt at writing an ideal text. (RM)