Discusses a graduate course on teaching the Vietnam War in which 15 secondary teachers participated. Analyzes the shortcomings of textbooks, particularly in the coverage of the human aspects of the war. Notes methods used by some participants to increase student interest in the subject. (GEA)

Describes a course on the Vietnam War presented by the author to 19 secondary school teachers. The course sought to increase competency in teaching about the war by using readings, lectures, and guest speakers. Concludes that the course was a success because participants encouraged others in their departments to include the topic in their…

Discusses the use of primary sources in teaching about the Vietnam War. The approach encourages student questioning and discussion of issues surrounding the war. Urges educators to be certain that students know and understand the reasons for the war and not just repeat the rhetoric. (Author/GEA)

Reviews the historical development of Canadian studies in United States textbooks and other instructional material. Notes common shortcomings and misconceptions of early materials. Describes how an expanded and more even treatment of Canada would improve social studies instruction in the United States. (JDH)

The Library of Congress has indexed and microfilmed its collection of presidential papers as the Presidential Papers Microfilm Series, which is now available to scholars and students. Each collection of presidential papers in the series is briefly described. (RM)

The Great Seal of the United States is an important expression of the values of the Founding Fathers of our nation. This lesson will help students in grades 8-12 investigate the meaning of the symbols incorporated in the Great Seal and, thus, gain insights into the uniqueness of our national aspirations. (RM)

"A Place at the Table" contains a teacher's guide, a 40-minute videotape and a 144-page textbook. The kit is designed to help students explore the historical, ongoing struggle to realize the national ideals of freedom and equality. This teacher's guide comprises 13 lesson plans (one for the video and one for each of the 12 chapters in…

This article suggests two projects for high school students to help them analyze the steps that lead to involvements such as Watergate. (Author/RM)

To provide a structure for exploring the different approaches of presidents to economic problems, questions are presented. The contrast between the Carter and Reagan programs is discussed and placed into historical perspective by reviewing the different philosophic responses of Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt to economic issues. Classroom…

Eleventh grade U.S. history, as described in the 1981 California History/Social Science Framework, should not be taught using a chronological approach. Instead, the course should be based on selected "regional" focal points and students given the opportunity to study different historical accounts and interpretations of the same events.…

Two annotated bibliographies of books are compiled, one devoted to Roosevelt and the New Deal, the other concerned with Hitler, the Weimar Republic, and the rise of Nazism. Annotations indicate scope of the work and occasionally point out bias or point of view. (CS)

Contains a poster appealing to immigrants in the 1920s to attend classes at one of four Americanization schools to learn English. Teaching strategies to help teachers use the poster in secondary U.S. history classes are included. The poster is a primary source material from the National Archives. (RM)

Presents an exercise that can help students understand the concept of national interest and deal better with foreign policy issues. Students use a chart with information about the United States and 10 other countries to answer questions such as what criteria the United States should use to select allies. (SR)

Examines the origins and traditions of college entrance examinations and traces their effects on the profession, including the impulse that led to the founding of the National Council of Teachers of English. (DD)

Discusses the value of journals for understanding a historical period. Suggests that social studies students be encouraged to keep journals to understand better the difference between something written at the time and a later description of the same event. Lists examples of journals from historical periods that may interest students in journal…