Presents a history of world history instruction as it has evolved since the 1890s in the United States focusing on New York state. Concludes that the latest revisions have restored chronology; eliminated any attempt at universal history; decreased the presence of the social sciences; and retained the option for a topical treatment within a…

Presents 11 ERIC documents selected specifically for secondary and college-level history teachers. Six documents examine the role of history teachers, with materials ranging from a rationale for teaching history to practical classroom applications in the field. Five documents include resources for teaching about the U.S. Constitution. (GEA)

Recommends Paul L. Murphy's 25-year-old article "Time to Reclaim: The Current Challenge of American Constitutional History" as a starting place for teachers interested in teaching about the history of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a three-page annotated bibliography of books on constitutional history. (BSR)

Briefly reviews theories of brain hemisphere functions and draws implications for social studies instruction. Maintains that the metaphor aids the development of understanding because it connects right and left brain functions. Provides a learning activity based on the metaphor of the U.S. government functioning as a machine. (BSR)

Reviews how the popular stereotypes of American Indians have changed since the colonization of North America. Once seen as noble savages by European settlers, the popular stereotypes changed to become less and less positive as colonization advanced. Urges teachers to vigorously challenge the stereotypes and negative images. (JDH)

Describes a series of writing assignments which may be used to develop writing skills among secondary level history students. The assignments are sequenced to begin with lower level intellectual skills and build student confidence. (BSR)

A high school senior contends the key to getting students interested in the subject of history is to allow them the freedom to focus their interest on an issue important to them. Such independent study allows history students to learn basic skills in compiling and sorting information, taking notes, writing papers, using a library, and critical…

Suggests that simulations and new technologies present new ways to look at historical questions. Discusses approaches from basic board game simulations to the use of artificial intelligence. States that educators must accept new technologies as instructional tools and that the concept of history must be modified to work with these tools. (GEA)

Describes two methods of invigorating student research in social studies. Showcase events are culminating activities or simulations which demonstrate student learning in an active, imaginative, and involving way. Snapshots are dramatic interpretations of specific moments in time. Examples of both methods are provided along with suggestions for…

So that the same mistakes would never again be repeated, the Army War College prepared a clear and understandable analysis of America's strategic failure in Vietnam. One of the most positive aspects of the analysis was the rediscovery of the importance of traditional military history and classical military theory. (RM)

An ambitious effort to produce a comprehensive historical account of the war in Vietnam is underway within the United States government. The publications that have been completed to date and those to be issued later are discussed. A bibliography of the publications is also provided. (RM)

Provides a teaching plan which helps students imaginatively take the roles of leaders in the United States during World War II so that they might more completely understand such difficult decisions as allying with the Soviet Union, relocating Japanese-Americans, and dropping the atomic bomb. Provides a statement of goals and objectives, required…

In response to a high school teacher's request for the "basic twenty concepts which college professors see as really basic preparation for college," this article advocates that students bring a shared body of facts about the past in addition to the ability to think about it; sensing the dual nature and interconnectedness of historical events. (JDH)

Explores the different historical views of the Progressive Era of United States history. Maintains that historians will probably always disagree about the nature and meaning of Progressivism, but that in the last analysis, the best way to learn about the era is to read and analyze the Progressives' own views. (JDH)

Two teachers describe their junior high school's involvement in National History Day. Participation in History Day provides students with the thrill of competition and the satisfaction that comes from really getting into a topic of their choice. (RM)