Since the world is "shrinking" in size due to better transportation and communication, it is important for students to study world issues in the social studies. Problems on the world scene make it imperative that pupils have the requisite understandings, skills, and attitudes to engage in problem-solving activities in the classroom. Teachers, principals, and supervisors must study the following issues to develop a modern social studies curriculum: (1) objectives in the social studies; (2) trends in teaching social studies; (3) scope and sequence among units of study; (4) materials used in teaching; (5) readiness of pupil for learning; (6) number of units taught in a year; (7) emphasis placed on structure of knowledge; (8) balance in the curriculum; (9) use of specific objectives; (10) thorough evaluation of pupil achievement; (11) democratic living in the classroom; (12) use of maps and globes in the social studies; (13) current affairs in the social studies; and (14) developing pupil interest in current affairs. Examples of ideas and activities are provided for each objective. (APG)