Online discussions enabled preK-12 teachers (n = 125) from five nations (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and the United States) to share their perspectives of culture and citizenship and the intersections of those concepts. Discussion moved between elements of personal and others' theory into effects of theory on practice. Teachers identified…

Looking for social studies adventures to help students find connections to democratic citizenship? Look no further! This book provides just the answer teachers need for engaging students in field trips as researching learners with emphasis on interdisciplinary social studies plus skills in collecting and reporting data gathered from field…

Using diary excerpts from a teacher's trip to Japan in the summer of 1985, this article provides four lesson plans for involving elementary through high school students in the study of cultural values, critical thinking skills, leadership, and international understanding. (JDH)

Too often seen through the lens of the United States experience in the Vietnam War, this article offers an alternative approach to teaching Vietnam through the development of a cultural and historical perspective. Provides a brief summary of literature on Vietnamese cultural history which is appropriate to high school students. (JDH)

The traditional emphasis on European and American history has been balanced with new studies of Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Latin America. Illustrative of this new approach is a study program developed at Valhalla High School in Westchester County, New York. (Author/RK)

Discusses the content and problems of contemporary social studies curricula. Recommends five guidelines for future social education, including teaching democratic culture, developing students' sense of community, studying the sociology of knowledge, analyzing social problems, and emphasizing global and future orientations. Suggests 12 steps to…

Focuses on ideas for teaching about Japan which elementary school classroom teachers can use to supplement a textbook unit on Japan. Suggestions are intended to allow for reflection by students on their own culture, as well as the culture of Japan. Topics are children's perceptions of Japan and the Japanese, developing a geographical perspective,…

Suggests that a good starting point for social studies curriculum units on Japan at the secondary school level is an analysis of the interrelationships between Japan and the United States. Information is presented on population figures, industrialization, standard of living indicators, consumer price indexes, and crude birth and death rates for…

Reviews the historical development of Canadian studies in United States textbooks and other instructional material. Notes common shortcomings and misconceptions of early materials. Describes how an expanded and more even treatment of Canada would improve social studies instruction in the United States. (JDH)

Advocates the use of foreign students as resource persons in area studies units. Identifies programs in Michigan which promote cross cultural education via the use of foreign students as classroom speakers. (JDH)

Points out the degree of cultural difference between contemporary Islamic and American societies. Presents four lesson plans, appropriate for junior or senior high students, which foster greater understanding of Islamic cultural traditions. A role playing handout and brief bibliography are provided. (JDH)

Recommends that students in social studies classes be exposed to a study of Japan because of the wide array of contrasts possible between Japan and the United States. Information is presented on Japan's modernization, global status, language, decision-making processes, and ancient traditions. (DB)

This bibliography is introduced by a short essay on social studies, concentrating on reforms since 1960 and speculating about future trends. The bibliography itself deals with current topics in social studies for intermediate grades and is divided into the following three sections: curriculum, teaching methods, and global/interpersonal learning.…