Teaching material plays an important role in teaching and learning instruction. Local context learning material experiences students to grasp and understand their potential culture and social as well as their local natural resources. However, not many teachers particularly Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers use the local context learning…

This multiple case study investigated how teachers utilized C3 Framework-aligned instructional materials created with the Inquiry Design Model in unique contexts. Contextual factors related to how teachers enacted and experienced the C3 Framework were explored, in addition to how they planned, implemented, and assessed C3 Framework-aligned…

This article advances a continuing line of inquiry into an innovative teacher-support program intended to help in-service history teachers develop professional teaching knowledge for inquiry-based history instruction. Two prior iterations informed our design and use of professional development materials; they also informed the implementation…

Research Findings: In each of 16 public school classrooms serving multiethnic low-income neighborhoods, 2 first graders were assigned to be taught patterning, 2 to be taught reading, 2 to be taught mathematics, and 2 to be taught social studies for 15-min sessions 3 days per week for 6 months. Assignment within each classroom was randomized. The…

Sometimes materials used in schools with good intentions can have effects opposite from those stated. Through the microscopic analysis of a parent-student immigration interview assignment on a social studies unit on immigration, this article aims to uncover the hidden story that underlies the questions asked. In so doing, it intends not only to…

Best-selling author Marcia L. Tate brings her trademark "dendrite-growing" teaching strategies to this practitioner-friendly collection of brain-compatible methods for engaging K-12 students in social studies. Included are 20 proven strategies and more than 200 grade-leveled activities for applying them. Teachers will find concrete ways to…

The evaluation methodology delineated in this paper is a work in progress. The purpose is to develop a method for evaluating social studies curriculum materials that encompasses the materials' comprehensibility and the perspective offered. The paper draws from past evaluations that focused on either comprehensibility or perspective but have not…

This report outlines the current status of the social studies field in three parts: (1) the intellectual history of the social studies, the dominant conceptual approaches in the past, and a new way of looking at the field; (2) the goals and objectives of the social studies, state requirements and mandates, practices of social studies education…

Economics is an important part of the U.S. social studies core curriculum, and this book considers the role of economics education in the development of citizenship skills. Chapter 1 describes: (1) citizenship and economic literacy; (2) the amount of economics education to offer; (3) economics in relation to economic education; and (4)…

This article provides social studies teachers with practical strategies for improving the student's ability to perceive the organizational structure of social studies materials. Sample activities are included. (Author/JR)

Article investigated questions that relate to our belief about the feasibility of the interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of values and value questions. (Author/RK)

Describes a teacher-centered model for constructing social studies curriculum materials. The model included cooperation between social studies teachers and university professors, interdisciplinary content, and evaluation methods. Also describes a successful workshop to develop materials based on the model. (Author/AV)

Argues that misconceptions about culture, and the vastness of the topic make teaching global cultures difficult. Presents a general model for visually organizing concepts associated with culture that can be used in the classroom. Includes a lesson plan on how cultural perspectives can affect the definition and use of resources. (DSK)

The purpose of this module on the United Nations is to help students understand the major problems facing today's world and to realize the role the United Nations can play in resolving those problems. The module consists of 10 lessons that can be expanded or contracted, and utilized in a variety of secondary social studies courses ranging from…

This exercise, designed for use by upper elementary and high school students, introduces the concepts of model and system. By examining a physical model, such as a top, the student learns the concepts of model and system which can later be applied to the study of social systems. A large system of interrelated parts is examined and the system and…