States that the fragmentation of social studies education deserves serious consideration. Argues that instead of worrying about whether a given curricular proposal is fashionable, teachers should decide if a program really belongs in a substantial social studies education. Calls for teachers to evaluate what learners really need. (GEA)

Offers a listing of 80 books considered to be important for a professional library in social studies. The categories included are: (1) foundations of social studies education; (2) social studies curriculum; (3) social studies instruction; (4) change processes in social studies; and (5) sources on sources. (JDH)

The decision-making process for choosing social studies instructional materials is outlined in five steps. (KM)

Discusses keys to success that secondary teachers should keep in mind when trying to teach world history to urban students deficient in basic skills. First, the objective of the lesson must be relevant to the student. Second, skill deficiencies must be provided for when planning the lesson. (RM)

Discusses some of the problems involved in social science teaching at the elementary school level, including general lack of knowledge among subject matter specialists about children, ignorance of child development specialists regarding social science disciplines, and the failure of educators to observe children's behavior before they develop and…

Maintains that although women's history has made great strides in the university environment, it remains peripheral in elementary and secondary education. Suggests feasible strategies to incorporate this subject into the curriculum. Includes Peggy McIntosh's "Five Phases of Curricular Re-Vision with Regards to Gender 1983." (MJP)

Summarizes a wealth of statistical information concerning the economic development and debt for a number of developing nations. Includes statistics on the gross national product growth of Cote d'lvoire, Guatemala, Malaysia, Korea, Colombia, and Nigeria, as well as, the gross domestic product growth and debt service for Latin America, Africa, and…

In a recent poll that asked American adults to identify "the single most significant event that has happened in their lifetime, in terms of its importance to the U.S. and the world," 46 percent of the respondents cited the attacks of September 11, 2001, as the most significant occurrence in their lifetime. In light of this result, it is not…

Argues that well-intentioned government policies, such as the Endangered Species Act, can actually cause harm to endangered species by creating disincentives to preserving the habitat for endangered species. Maintains that the use of incentives can lead to voluntary species protection. Includes instructions for an in-class teaching activity. (MJP)

An outline of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of cognitive moral development prefaces an application of the teaching plan developed by the Social Studies Curriculum Center at Carnegie-Mellon University for leading discussions of moral dilemmas. (JH)

Kohlberg's moral development theories and research are criticized. (DE)

The author of EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY defends its content and position on the teaching of history, geography, and democratic citizenship. Concludes that children must learn the knowledge, values, and habits that will best protect and extend our democratic heritage. (JDH)

Describes three trends that are thought to be important in shaping the Pacific Rim and discusses the significance of each. The first is the continuing economic and military influence of the United States in the region; the second is the increasingly dynamic Japanese expansion; and the third trend is the diffusion of Chinese people throughout the…

Reviews data collected in a 1982 national survey of state social studies coordinators which shows the patterns of textbook adoptions in the area of high school geography for the 20 states that use statewide adoption. Concludes that throughout the 1970s and early 1980s Texas's impact on other states' geography selections was almost nonexistent.…

Examines appropriate map learning experiences for elementary school children based on inferences derived from Piaget's research on cognitive development. Addresses the eight skills developed in most map learning programs: 1) interpreting symbols, 2) envisioning perspective, 3) locating places, 4) determining direction, 5) computing distance, 6)…