Designed to supplement an 8th grade history course with the best updated research on the subject of slavery's origins, the lesson plan described in this paper has several objectives: (1) To augment the secondary textbooks, most of which either do not cover the beginnings of slavery, or cover it adequately; (2) To acquaint students with the…

Maintains that most history textbooks support the traditional view that dropping the atom bomb on Hiroshima (Japan) was necessary to end World War II and save U.S. lives. Briefly articulates the revisionist view that the bombing's main purpose was to intimidate the Soviet Union. Reviews six textbooks. (MJP)

Argues that oftentimes simple parallel constructions and choice of examples reflect an unconscious bias in history textbooks. Reveals a number of these, particularly related to the United States' treatment of minorities in World War II. Advocates using strategies to identify and challenge biases in history textbooks. (MJP)

Observes that up-to-date history textbooks present a view of Calvin Coolidge that is nearly indistinguishable from those of decades ago; despite strong contradictory evidence, Coolidge is portrayed as extremely reactionary and unenergetic. Argues that he was actually progressive and dedicated to his work until the death of his son in 1924. (DSK)

United States history as a linchpin in the school curriculum and as a potentially exciting, sometimes electrifying, subject was the conviction underlying this analysis of U.S. history textbooks. This assessment investigates the capacity of leading U.S. social studies and history textbooks to inspire the imagination of students through effective…

This study investigated two questions: (1) will student selection of instructional materials motivate them to learn and (2) are female students reacting to discrimination in textbooks? Tested an instructional method that included discussion, brainstorming, and keeping journals and logs. Concludes that students' performance improves when they see a…

Summarizes consensus points reached by three university professors and three elementary school teachers who examined the Silver Burdett Ginn elementary textbook series. Explains the study's methodology. Finds textbooks constrained by the expanding environments framework, limited in multicultural coverage, and inadequate in developing themes around…

Demonstrating the need for reintegrating women from U.S. history into the curriculum and the ease with which National Women's History Week observances can fill this need, this inservice workshop package provides a facilitator's guide and accompanying audiovisual materials for two different audiences--one for school administratiors (1 hour);…

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate classroom materials which are used to teach secondary students in history and government courses about the right to work issue. Classroom and other educational materials designated and evaluated by the National Right to Work Committee as presenting the right to work issue unfairly, inaccurately, or both, are…

This document evaluates classroom materials which are used to teach secondary students in history and government courses about the right to work issue. The book is presented in six chapters. Chapter I explains that the scope of the project was to review over 180 classroom and other educational materials to evaluate their treatment of the right to…

Asserts that there is an important difference between history as socially constructed knowledge and as an objective, fixed account. Reports on a content analysis of three high school world history texts to determine how the meaning from them may be influenced in the content and power relations implicit in the textbook language. (CFR)

Outlines an inservice-teacher workshop, used in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, intended for high school teachers who focus on the modern Middle East. Defines the critical thinking process it recommends: questioning assumptions, gathering information, and evaluating material. Describes small-group sessions that evaluate textbooks and news…

The University of Texas Latin America Curriculum Project's survey of instructional materials for elementary and secondary schools revealed specific strengths and weaknesses at all levels. The particular weaknesses found in elementary materials were that (1) instructional materials varied widely in type and quality; and (2) textbooks emphasized…

The document contains letters of complaint sent by Concerned Educators Against Forced Unionism (CEAFU) to boards of education and publishers regarding inaccurate and/or unfair coverage of the right to work issue in high school social studies textbooks. Examples of complaints filed with boards of education are presented for state-adopted textbooks…

Discusses teaching styles exhibited by two different history teachers. Describes both teaching styles as epistemological representations, although one consists of a passive approach while the other employs active teacher involvement. Stresses each teacher's use of primary sources to help students see both sides of issues and critically analyze…