Social skills play a central role in shaping individuals who are able to adapt and contribute to society. This article analyzes the comparative social studies curriculum in Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway and Sweden), focusing on how students' social skills are developed through their approach to learning. The research method used is a…

Universal design for learning is intended to provide opportunities for all students to be successful. An exploration of Mr. Morales's middle school social studies classroom reveals the universal design for learning principles of multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression infused throughout every lesson. These…

In this response, we make the case for the power and promise of scaffolded reading instruction for teaching civic literacy--civic content knowledge and skills needed to both comprehend and take a stand on civic issues at a local, national, or global level. We argue the following: (a) Now, more than ever, students need to develop the skills and…

A central aim of social studies curriculum is to prepare young people for making "informed and reasoned decisions for the public good" concerning consequential problems like global climate change. By developing students' "vision of a good society" and exploring what actions and policies move our society in this direction,…

A case study analysis system is provided which can increase student analytical skills while focusing on social conflict situations. The analysis system is a systematic means of identifying, classifying, and clarifying factors found in social conflict situations providing insights into forces that change social structures. (Author/JR)

Presents six social studies teaching materials comprised of filmstrips with accompanying cassettes and teacher's guides. Content and activities focus on life in the universe, ocean rights, the environment, foreign cultures, social problems, and listening and research skills. (AV)

This book of essays offers an international perspective on how the concepts of war and peace develop in children and how, through overt teaching of conflict resolution and peacemaking skills in schools, a more peaceful world can be created. Following an introduction, the 14 essays in the book are grouped in 3 parts: (1) "Developmental…

Asserts that the social studies classroom is ideal for the development of students' civic decision-making skills explaining that decision making must include elements of group interaction and creative expression. Describes traditional decision-making models and decision making as a process and performance. Addresses group interaction, cooperative…

The following topics and objectives are presented as essential for teachers, principals, and supervisors to study in working towards a modern elementary social studies curriculum: (1) objectives in the social studies; (2) trends in the social studies; (3) scope and sequence; (4) materials used in teaching; (5) readiness in learning; (6) number of…

The secondary social studies lessons in this publication are intended to help teachers improve instruction. Lessons are provided for the curriculum areas of social inquiry, ethical development, and civic competence. In the social inquiry lessons, students learn to describe and explain human behavior. In the ethical development lessons, students…

The 52 units that comprise this book were devised with the goal of "freeing up" the creative abilities of students while helping them look at a number of important social issues. The book is in a sequential form and presents many of the fundamental issues of the social studies curriculum. The units in the book follow a pattern that is…

An examination of the secondary social studies textbooks written by Allan O. Kownslar from 1967 to 1980 reflects several of the major themes that have shaped social studies education since the sixties. The paper briefly surveys the political and pedagogical events that stimulated the proliferation of social studies curriculum projects in the…

Argues that secondary economics teachers must help students learn to apply fundamental economics concepts to real problems. Advocates the critical thinking approach. Outlines goals, objectives, content, and procedures for an inquiry lesson that teaches the concepts land, labor, and capital through a problem-solving, hypothesis-testing method.…

Ten lesson plans present ways of using the periodical, "The National Observer," in social science classrooms. By providing stimulating reading, raising questions, and provoking discussion, the periodical articles are designed to expand the student's perspective on social issues. Revolving around five disciplines--political science,…

Both student and teacher materials for a unit introducing elementary students to conflict situations and conflict resolution techniques are presented. The student materials contain pre- and posttests and 27 exercises in which students examine emotions, love and friendship, frustration, learned behavior, and basic needs, and explore different ways…