Social studies, too frequently, is taught in a survey approach whereby pupils obtain subject matter in a shallow manner. Forgetting and hazy recalls are typical of this procedure of instruction. Covering many topics in a relatively short period of time does not make for achievement which is long-lasting. Then too, selected pupils might be left…

There never seems to be enough time to teach everything that administrators, policy advocates, parents, legislators, and the general public think should be addressed in the elementary classroom. Each year, elementary teachers are asked to add more and more to their already crowded curriculum. Add to this the pressures of state standards and making…

Illustrates how the ideas of classical economists Adam Smith, Thomas Robert Malthus, David Ricardo, and John Stewart Mill are excellent sources for the contemporary social studies teacher. Suggests classroom applications to be used in conjunction with explanation of the economic principles of each of the above-named theorists. (AEM)

Presents an azimuthal-equidistant map which was created to show the true direction and distance from Hawaii to all the countries bordering the Pacific area. Discusses the advantages of such a map and provides questions to be used in classroom discussions about it. (GEA)

Discusses diffusion problems of new social studies curriculum materials, exploring roles of external and internal agents of change. Recommends that subject specialists, curriculum designers, evaluators, and educational sociologists cooperate with teachers to diffuse materials. (CK)

A history professor relates his experiences producing and using audio-visual material and warns teachers not to rely on audio-visual aids for classroom presentations. Includes examples of popular audio-visual aids on Canada that communicate unintended, inaccurate, or unclear ideas. Urges teachers to exercise caution in the selection and use of…

Identifies four principal conditions which might aggravate a crisis in instructional materials and programs--declining enrollment, inflationary fixed costs, increased teacher salaries and fringe benefits, and the back to basics movement. Suggests criteria to help teachers select textbooks, including seadability, appropriateness, and flexibility.…

This document addresses the questions of what teachers have achieved during the U. S. Constitution Bicentennial celebration in the areas of curriculum development and instruction and whether or not the celebration has been accompanied by educational renewal and improvement in secondary schools. Persistent problems in teaching and learning about…

Traces the history of photography, revealing how advances in photographic technology affected society. Suggests ways in which photographs can be used in the classroom, mentioning cautions to consider when using old photographs. Shows how photography is beneficial to the study of women's history. Includes five photographs. (AEM)

Doublespeak is language designed to miscommunicate and mislead. Discussed are winners of the Doublespeak Award. Examples of doublespeak are provided, and books for teaching about this misuse of the language are listed. (RM)

This paper explores some of the reasons why global perspectives education has not found its way into the school curriculum. Also it offers some strategies for implementing global perspectives education in school programs. (BW)

Contains six responses to two questions concerning high school book censorship and the application of dominant community values to the selection of instructional materials in public education. (AM)

In December 1984 when the Soviet Union still was an "evil empire" and the United States "encroached on the achievements of Socialism," Ira Jay Winn wrote, "students who scream "Kill the Russkies" or who believe that the Soviets fought against us in World War II... are not simply ignorant of historical facts or…

Shows how poetry can be used to bridge the gap between social studies and the humanities. Demonstrates that poems about Japan can provide a more comprehensive understanding of Japanese history, culture, and psychology than could the objective truths provided by social studies in that area. Includes a lesson outline and several poems. (AEM)

Examines THE MISMEASURE OF MAN (Gould, 1981), which discusses the development and limitations of IQ, and THE DANCE OF LIFE by (Hall, 1983), which analyzes polychronic and monochronic time. Evaluates each book as potential social studies teaching material and indicates how education can be improved by understanding the perspectives in each. (GEA)