Developed through a broad based national consensus building process, the National History Standards project has involved working toward agreement both on the larger purposes of history in the school curriculum and on the more specific history understandings and thinking processes that all students should have equal opportunity to acquire over 12…

This paper assesses current issues in colleges and universities as well as in K-12 schooling, with a focus on the preparation of secondary school teachers. The paper identifies new trends in the changing nature of research and practice as they affect the history profession in the classroom. According to the paper, there are many issues that…

This paper examines the shortcomings of the area studies approach and the comprehensive chronological world history survey approach to teaching world history courses. The study notes the increasing interdependence of the world and its people and advocates a thematic world history approach. By teaching a few important themes in world history,…

The 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas has raised a debate over how historians and teachers should portray this moment in history. Some view Columbus as a hero whose courage helped to provide a foundation for modern civilization in the Americas, while others see him as a villain who exploited indigenous people and…

Lesson plans for secondary teachers based on documents and objects found in the Hershey Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania comprise the document. The Museum seeks to make its resources available to teachers who are not able to bring their students from the classroom to the Museum. Photocopied reproductions of the documents are provided for the…

Teacher qualifications, course offerings, and enrollment trends in history courses across the United States are described. This journal is available from Ballantine Hall, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47401. (DE)

The article discusses an Israeli study of the effect of traditional and non-traditional history of programs on pupils' perception of the nature of historical learning, and on their attitude toward a variety of learning activities. The results presented here indicate that a new program may create increased interest in studying history. (Author/RM)

This teacher guide contains 14 sample lesson plans based on issues faced throughout American history and still being headlined in today's newspaper. The lesson plans include exploration and National Pride, Jefferson and Hamilton, Checks and Balances, Supply and Demand, Presidential Impeachment, Voting Rights, Historical Analogies, Predictions and…

This discussion of thinking skills is designed to related historiographical meanings with the overall process of historical inquiry. Using the definitions provided as a guide, the history teacher can more adequately formulate questions and teaching objectives. (Author/RK)

Representative samples of curriculum development in social studies are presented based on a model designed to involve students actively in both the historical and dilemma-solving processes. (MJB)

Describes the Advanced Placement U.S. history program which allows students to earn college credit by taking a standardized test while still in high school. Reviews procedures for selection of multiple choice questions on this test from 1960-1984. States that multiple choice type questions on this test have changed since 1960, but not…

Asserts that state history and geography can become dull if the textbook is not supplemented. Suggests that the study of state history should include (1) the student's sense of value in their own region; (2) awareness of significant events there; and (3) an appreciation for the region's uniqueness. Illustrates several classroom activities to…

Describes a "Generic Model for Planning Expository Lessons" for improving the lecture--discussion method used by most history teachers. The model is based on a lesson format developed by John J. Patrick and Richard Remy and uses a five-step procedure employing a variety of approaches to expository teaching. (BSR)

Describes and qualitatively evaluates National History Day as an educational program and suggests some of its implications for the teaching of history in the nation's schools. States that teachers should use a wide variety of primary source materials and instructional strategies to make the learning of history an active process. (GEA)

Presents a two-day lesson which helps students understand the distinction between government and private action and, for more advanced students, to apply past court decisions to a hypothetical situation involving commerce and contract rights. Includes a checklist of 25 items which examines government involvement in students' everyday lives. (GEA)