A survey administered to fifth and sixth graders revealed that students do not find the content encountered in social studies objectionable. However, 67 percent of the students offered negative comments concerning how social studies is taught. Thirteen percent indicated there was nothing about social studies they did not like. (RM)

Values are unavoidable in every school and in the very fabric of the social studies content. Values education, in its various forms, should be an integral part of social studies and citizenship education. (RM)

Research in secondary economics education since 1966 shows an increased emphasis on international trade and finance, decreased emphasis on labor and industrial relations, and low priority given to concepts of opportunity cost and scarcity. Findings from three surveys of economics education, made in 1966, 1975, and 1981, are compared. (AM)

Critiques Diane Ravitch's suggestions for the revival of history in the school curriculum. Characterizes her arguments as conservative and compares her to the anti-progressives of the 1950s. Calls for less emphasis on traditional history and discusses alternative conceptions of history. Examines the California History Social Science Framework. (KO)

Ways in which teachers can help children in kindergarten and the primary grades develop some of the cognitive and affective capabilities necessary for a global perspective are discussed. Specifically examined are course content which fosters global knowledge and which shows how children can be taught to assume the perspective of others. (RM)

Upon rejecting traditional world history curricula, which include all chronological developments from cave dweller to 20th century, a course is suggested to study significant patterns of government, economics, revolution, war, major religions, geography, scientific advancement, education, and rise and fall of civilizations. (Author/AV)

Discusses teaching social studies using public issues to develop student understanding. Describes identification of issues, justification and clarification of positions, and the discussion process. Suggests that selection of issues should be based on the importance of the issues to society and their significance for teachers and students. (DK)

In K-6 teacher education programs, a host of content methods classes make up a large portion of the preservice teacher's course load. One of those is the social studies methods course. The course helps students develop pedagogical understanding in the social studies. However, as most engaged in methods course instruction can attest, preservice…

Describes a current affairs program involving the examination of social issues in a Canadian elementary school. Discusses significant aspects of the program, including the debate format, the use of computers, and a partnership with a local cable television company. Includes an appendix of the debating/talk-show format used. (CFR)

An outline of a unit used to teach the political science concept of model-building to both average and above-average high school students is provided. (DE)

In many social studies classes learning is made "relevant" by simply presenting contemporary issues and current affairs. However, when teaching about issues, certain decisions need to be made concerning content and techniques. The author makes a suggestion that the major content focus on not merely understanding the problems facing society, but…

Educators must decide which concepts, generalizations, and content of multicultural education are to receive priority attention. Characteristics of curricular elements to be selected as foundations of multicultural education are discussed. (RM)

Explores the ability of social studies education to include balanced controversial issues within its textual materials. Suggests a code of content for the textbook industry and social studies educators, stating that the textbook industry should seek and develop ideas relating to controversial public issues and that personal opinions of authors in…

Addresses the teaching of world problems to elementary students. Suggests that children already are aware of world problems and the effects on their own lives. Discusses the use of group discussions, role play, and thematic resource folders to help children develop problem-solving skills for dealing with global issues and problems in their own…

Lists selected resources for issues centered education. Includes books about methods for issues centered education, reference and student materials for middle and high school students, and tradebooks for elementary classrooms. Lists criteria for the selection of materials that were included (presentation of alternative view, accuracy, and…