Project-based learning (PBL) is a relatively recent innovation in teaching methodology that uses real-world learning activities to engage student interest and motivation. PBL equips students with skills necessary for the current job market: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. This paper provides an overview of PBL,…

This article describes the use of student feedback questionnaires by history teacher license candidates in a classroom-based approach called "Conferring with Students." During the past five years, at a large public university in Massachusetts, 125 teacher candidates wrote their own feedback surveys, received responses from more than…

Students in this post-industrial technological age require opportunities for the acquisition of new skills, especially in the marketplace of innovation. A pedagogical strategy that is becoming more and more popular within social studies classrooms is the use of computer and video games as enhancements to everyday lesson plans. Computer/video games…

The number of middle school students with learning disabilities (LD) taught social studies in general education classes continues to rise. Providing general education teachers with additional ways to support students with LD as they navigate social studies reading materials could help planning and teaching for all students. In middle school, when…

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…

Discusses the pitfalls of wholesale adoption of fashionable educational methods in general, and inquiry in particular. (JB)

Quotations can be a useful aid in teaching secondary social studies which allow students to refine concepts, develop reading skills, make hypotheses, and motivate further study. Sample quotations and inquiry questions are provided. (Author/JR)

Student understanding and motivation are increased if history is taught from the present to the past with an emphasis on current affairs and their effect on the student

Describes projects funded under Part C, Title IV of the Elementary Secondary Education Act. Part C funds projects to develop new and creative approaches to education and projects that adopt the validated programs of other educational sources. Funded social studies programs include citizenship, consumer, environmental, law,…

An alternative to the survey approach for teaching history is the team-taught humanities course, that has enjoyed considerable success at Illinois State University, in which history is integrated with art, music, and literature. (Author/ND)

The Educational Testing Service reports that little is being done by school districts to implement the new social studies for high schools. Discussed are some specific courses and programs being offered students in the new social studies. These examples in curriculum change are intended to serve as models. (Author/RM)

A "History Media Production" course is described in which college students at University of Maine at Orono create short slide/tape or videotape productions of selected aspects of history. In the process, students learn their assigned topics in-depth and also create a media library for professors to use in classroom instruction. (AV)

Describes a teleconference between U.S. students and students from other countries. Points out that current world issues became more relevant for U.S. students. Stresses the value of international telephone technology to show students the relationship of their ideas and values with those of young people from around the world. (GG)

The contract system where the student makes his own decision about the grade he desires and then works toward the achievement of that goal is examined. Five pass/fail assignments for a U.S. history course are suggested as possible student tasks. (DE)

Twenty techniques for teaching reading in social studies classes and eight suggestions for making social studies more interesting and relevant for the student are included. (DE)