It is difficult to overestimate the importance of a history teacher's ability to historically contextualize primary sources. Contextualization gives life to primary sources that many students feel are flat and lifeless. Moreover, due to their limited experience and knowledge, preservice teachers often lack the sophistication to thematically…

This paper presents an interview with Douglas Brinkley, an award-winning author and historian and director of Tulane University's Theodore Roosevelt Center for American Civilization. His wide-ranging portfolio includes books on John Kerry and the Vietnam War, Ronald Reagan and D-Day, Rosa Parks, Henry Ford, Dean Acheson and Jimmy Carter. He is…

The development and present state of research on the sociology of education in the United States are reviewed, drawing on the literature and on interviews with 10 educational sociologists. To answer the challenges of the field today, sociology needs to go beyond its traditional borders. (SLD)

Two former U.S. commissioners of education discuss the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the period in United States history when education was a powerful agent of social change. (MSE)

Presents a lesson plan that focuses on women on the U.S. homefront during World War II. Offers four interviews with women about their experiences and includes a list of questions for students to answer after they have read the interviews. Discusses other activities. (CMK)

Attempts to define a paradigm that helps shape the African-American studies discipline, and argues that emphasis must be placed on generating practical and emancipatory knowledge. African-American studies is a necessary discipline if Afrocentric scholars are to be generated who have a commitment to being scholar activists. (SLD)

Interviews Marian Wright Edelman about her work with the Children's Defense Fund and her book "The Measure of Our Success." The importance of having a sense that the world can be better is emphasized. Children must be given a voice and a way to participate in solving society's problems. (SLD)

Presents an interview with Paul Fussell, author of "The Great War and Modern Memory." Fussell speaks about the destruction of that war and his own experiences as a combat officer in World War II. He also addresses his original field of study, 18th century literature, and some of the changes wrought by the 20th century. (MJP)

Contends that oral history is a unique way to learn about past events and experiences. Describes an oral history project that resulted in the publication of 26 stories of Rhode Island women during World War II. Discusses the stories and their impact on the students who conducted the oral history interviews. (CFR)