Social studies education plays an important role in preparing students for a diverse, pluralistic democratic citizenry (NCSS 2010). While the field has made some gains in addressing the needs of various marginalized communities within the curriculum, there has been very little progress in incorporating LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,…

In the current era of high-stakes testing and accountability, many social studies teachers struggle to find creative ways to add depth and authenticity to a broad, shallow curriculum. Teachers can use the time after tests are administered for students to reflect back on the social studies curriculum and select topics they want to study more deeply…

Presents a lesson that focuses on Lithuanian efforts to gain their freedom and their role in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Describes various learning activities that foster understanding of this topic, such as having the students dramatize important events in Lithuania's struggle for independence. (CMK)

Suggests the use of key historical antisocial acts to teach social studies concepts as a means of arousing the interest of adolescents. Recommends overcoming initial sensationalism by shifting emphasis to more appropriate interests. Includes discussion of the Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy assassinations and the Rosenberg spy case. Suggests…

Recommends using time bonding (finding a role model and researching the process and story behind that individual's accomplishments) as a means to interest students in history. Outlines the instructions covering the objectives of the writing assignments. Students researched a variety of biographies including Jackie Robinson and Lyndon Johnson. (MJP)

Discusses the importance of voice in historical writing. Criticizes objective historiography as impossible and undesirable. Emphasizes the interest and depth of interpretation generated by the use of voice in historical writing. Suggests classroom exercises that enable students to identify and evaluate voice in primary sources and secondary works.…

Asserts that high school student research assignments in history and social studies often yield disappointing results with limited summaries of facts and a loose array of opinions. Argues that graphic organizers can help students with historical inquiry and result in improved thinking skills, more sophisticated conclusions, and better decision…

Describes a series of class activities involving student surveys and interviews with parents and other adults. Discusses possible interview topics ranging from important inventions to simulated interviews with historical figures. Reports that student interest improved and parents became more involved with school activities. (CFR)

Details the educational objectives achieved by an 8th grade U.S. history class using a cooperative learning research model. Using the Group Investigation Model, the class learned to use text headings, subheads, and key words in their reading. They also became familiar with synthesizing information and linking key ideas. (MJP)

Describes an undergraduate course that draws parallels between the immigrant and ethnic experience of the students with similar issues on a national scale. The students write papers exploring their ethnic heritage and, if possible, collect oral histories from other family members. This research complements the assigned readings. (MJP)

Describes inquiry learning as defining a purpose for inquiry (the problem), postulating tentative answers or solutions, testing various hypotheses, drawing tentative conclusions, and applying those conclusions to new situations. Asserts that acquisition of these skills supports democratic citizenship. Outlines the inquiry approach used for a…