Oral history, a method of collecting historical information through preplanned tape recorded interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge of an historical event, is a viable learning activity at the high school level. This methodology was conceived and later institutionalized by Alan Nevins in the 1940s as a way to counter the loss of…

Discusses the role of oral history in the documentation and interpretation of family history. Gives information for constructing and managing information in interviews. Stresses that oral history permits analysis of materials in terms of shared conceptions. Emphasizes ways family histories can be used in research projects and classroom teaching.…

Examines the dynamic and growing use of oral history in documenting the various social and political movements of the 1960s. Discusses those historical analyses and approaches particularly well served by oral history. Notes a decline in oral history in some areas due to logistical and funding difficulties. (MJP)

Recounts the early efforts (circa 1970) of feminists to collect oral histories of women around the western United States. Supported primarily through universities, the historians collected material from ranch women, labor activists, Native Americans, Asian immigrants, Hispanic homemakers, and others. Discusses developments in oral history…

Contends that the "historical detective work" of oral history helps students break free of their textbooks and become active collectors of information. Provides five recommendations, six teacher guidelines, and seven student guidelines for implementing oral history in the classroom. (CFR)

Outlines major oral history collections related to media studies and considers how the use of those collections has encouraged traditional conceptions of the social function of the press. Suggests how oral histories can be used to address issues of power and domination in the development of media institutions. (MJP)