Prior to their first curriculum unit (on history and the work of historians) in an American history course, three classes of fifth graders stated what they knew (or thought was true) about history and what they wanted to learn about it. After the unit, they reported what they had learned. In addition, a stratified sample of 10 students was…

This paper is designed to extend a dialogue on the nature of explanations to include instructional explanations. The paper explores the distinctions between specific types of explanations, (common, disciplinary, self, and instructional) with respect to specific features (problem type, initiation, evidence, form, and audience). Given this context…

Covering teaching, learning activities on the pre-college level, this document reviews more than 200 published articles, chapters, and monographs to examine ideas held by those who teach history. Descriptive statements representing goals, objectives, and rationales relative to history were constructed for the purpose of examining these concepts.…

This is one in a series of eight discussion pamphlets produced by the Writing Across the Curriculum Project dealing with some of the issues connected with writing in the schools and their relation to learning. This pamphlet is specifically concerned with writing in the areas of geography, history and the social studies for the "teacher as…

A national survey of 1,493 humanities faculty at 156 two-year colleges was conducted in spring 1975. The colleges included in the sample were carefully selected in terms of locale, control, emphasis, size, and age, and the faculty sample included proportionate numbers of full- and part-time faculty members. This paper compares history instructors…

This article examines how the academic backgrounds of four new history teachers (anthropology, political science, American studies, and history) influence their lesson planning and teaching styles. The implications of this research for teacher education and research on teaching are considered. (JL)

Tests the validity of a teaching strategy designed to help students learn to think historically. The method offers a rationale for understanding why historians may arrive at differing conclusions. Results of the study (n = 39) indicate a significant improvement in the experimental group concept of history. (TRS)

An analysis of 10 intermediate history textbooks currently used in Ontario, Canada, showed that current texts show less prejudice toward Indians than earlier works. However, there is still ample room for improvement. (RM)

Reports responses to a survey of junior and senior high school students concerning (1) what they have learned from studying history, (2) what they think of the subject, (3) what importance they attach to the study of history, (4) how they would improve history instruction, and (5) their opinions of historians. (FL)

Past research which used Piaget's model of cognitive development has suggested that historical understanding is a developmental construct. The present study, designed to test the theoretical adequacy of previous studies, shows that a new variable, information processing, could predict the level of historical understanding. (Author/CS)

Discusses a study undertaken to examine the effects on student achievement and attitudes of an integrated approach to teaching world history (termed the aesthetic approach) by comparing it to a traditional approach (termed a political approach). Findings indicated that the aesthetic approach was a more effective means of presenting a broad range…

Describes the use of the Concerns and Decision-Making Strategy with probationary college freshman in which, through a structured dialog, students take turns assuming the role of the teacher. Finds that this reading/discussion strategy is valuable for learning social studies material, and enhances comprehension, recall, and higher-level thinking.…

Examines the process of scaffolding in terms of secondary school teachers' and students' discussions and how transition from teacher regulation to student regulation takes place during a learning project carried out in a Web-based learning environment. The teacher's role as challenger, monitor, and evaluator of student learning and implications…

Used interview and essay data to investigate history student teachers' development and beliefs about teaching. Most respondents became interested in the subject very early, independently of formal education. Models adopted during early school years influenced their attitudes toward teaching and teachers' role. Their tended to focus on their own…

Two studies were conducted to design and field-test hypertext computer study guides with 40 ninth grade students (10 with learning disabilities, 15 remedial, and 15 regular education). Findings indicated the computer study guide treatment was as effective as the lecture method; posttest scores and retention test scores were higher for the computer…