Shifting to an inquiry-based practice can be challenging. How should teachers get started? How many times should teachers plan for inquiry? What do teachers do when students struggle with inquiry? How long does it take for students to buy in to the inquiry process? These kinds of questions, and the concerns that underlie them, can create an…

People often think that ideas about mapping and culture are too difficult and abstract for kindergarten students, let alone English Language Learners (ELLs). This article however describes how a preservice teacher taught a three day unit in geography to her students based upon places they or their family members had visited. Many of the students…

The document review method, which is a qualitative research method, was used in this study that aims to examine the social studies curriculum and course books in terms of attainments, teaching-learning process and measurement-evaluation process in the context of global citizenship. Furthermore, opinions of social studies teachers on the curriculum…

Display boards and wall maps, created by a teacher or designed by a company, are a common sight in most elementary classrooms, but students usually have a rather limited role in constructing these materials. The main objective of this article is to describe some techniques for encouraging students to create social studies displays that can serve…

This study set out to better understand the changing links between geography and citizenship. Content analysis was conducted on eighteen high school world geography textbooks and state/national standards. Interviews were conducted with teachers and textbook authors. Five significant changes were noted: decline of national orientation and a greater…

In this case study, the work of an exemplary high school social studies teacher is highlighted. In her class, late-arrival immigrant students participated in oral, writing, and demonstration activities as they learned the physical, cultural, and historical traditions of geography education. As newcomers to the English language, the students'…

This article describes the development process and products of a two-year project designed to improve basic skills instruction in existing secondary social studies courses. Includes a sample lesson plan and student handouts. (JDH)

Discusses the reintroduction of geography into national school curricula--specifically, Louisiana--as a consequence of the renewed emphasis on the mastery of basic academic subjects. Stresses the challenge of providing teacher training, teaching geography through concepts rather than facts, and makes recommendations for teaching world geography in…

Reviews difficulties publishers have in adequately representing world regions. Recommends that teachers: (1) use textbooks analytically, (2) provide alternative perspectives, (3) use supplementary materials, (4) incorporate analysis of mass media, (5) take advantage of local resources, and (6) continuously examine and modify their social studies…

Praises the resolution passed by the Texas Council for the Social Studies Executive Board that calls for a four-year high school social studies curriculum that includes a required course in world geography studies. Argues that this coursework will help prepare students for college, and might lead to successful geography-related careers. (LS)

Describes an assignment for secondary or college geography instruction in which students are appointed as the "Minister of Development" of a developing nation. As students plan their country's future, they confront different facets of development and the consequences of their actions. Includes student and instructor activities, identifying…

Examining the vital relation between immigrants' race or ethnicity, language, documented or undocumented legal status, and multicultural citizenship education is essential in the reconceptualization of current curricula and practice. The analysis provides relevant critiques of the traditional American History and citizenship curricula that are…

Contends that the gap between image and reality as contrasted between tourist brochures and the realities of a country can be used by teachers to create high interest or to encourage critical thinking skills in students. Outlines the process for teaching about a selected country utilizing travel brochures. (SLM)

Case study of how a 10th-grade New York State global-history teacher attempts to understand one of several messages broadcast by the new state curriculum and assessment policies, namely that state policies promote ambitious teaching and learning. Finds that while the teacher altered her teaching, she did so in ways that did not comport with the…

Real-life expeditions to several regions of the world, offered online by GlobaLearn, Inc., provide social and cultural connections, along with curricular materials that help teachers engage students in active inquiry. Through the eyes of real explorers making actual expeditions, students can discover and become familiar with people and places…