How something begins can matter a lot, especially for young adults. "The circumstances under which a person enters a profession is predictive of how that person will view the profession for the rest of his or her life." The goal is for that view to be positive and long lasting for social studies educators. Can more be done to support…

Poses ethical questions related to social studies education and professional values in five case studies illustrating the six principles of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) Code of Ethics. Raises questions about the NCSS's involvement in overseeing professional ethics and encourages discussion about ethical principles. (LS)

Three case studies of secondary U.S. history teachers who use instructional methods that discourage rather than promote analysis and critical thinking are presented. Teachers do too little because they try to cover too much. The need to improve the teaching of history is urgent. (RM)

The case study approach for developing local histories to teach the Bicentennial is examined. The approach of one teacher-developed kit is outlined. (JR)

Recounts the author's experience of returning home to China after three years of study in the United States. Highlights the differences between the U.S. and Chinese cultures, focusing on how the author changed during his international experience, and how China had changed in his absence. Includes suggestions for social studies teachers who wish to…

Presents a four-part lesson designed to introduce elementary and junior high school students to moral and legal dilemmas. Dilemmas involve students in role playing, decision making, critical analysis, and evaluation. The dilemmas, although hypothetical, are based on real life situations. (Author/DB)

A social studies department chairperson describes the case concerning the importance of elementary social studies education that she presented at a school board hearing. As a result of her presentation, the board added 50 minutes to the daily time allotted for intermediate grade social studies instruction. (RM)

Presents Clarence Earl Gideon's petition for counsel as a primary source document to be used in social studies units on the Bill of Right's Sixth Amendment. Examines the constitutional issues of due process and right to counsel. Outlines teaching activities that develop vocabulary and analyzes Gideon v. Wainwright as a case study. (CH)

The driving and resisting forces of introducing computers into social studies classrooms are examined. Elementary teachers' concerns about computers, as revealed in a case study, include the need for training, how to manage computer assisted instruction, where computers should be used in the curriculum, and the need for relevant software. (RM)