Is it actually certain that our students are changing during our social studies classes? This paper aims to reveal structural development and evaluation in social studies education which is related to national curriculum requirements and focused on particular students in order to test the effectiveness of the lesson. In order to increase students'…

This study investigated the extent to which higher-order thinking skills are promoted in social studies classes in high schools that are implementing smaller learning communities (SLCs). Data collection in this mixed-methods study included classroom observations and in-depth interviews. Findings indicated that higher-order thinking was rarely…

The purpose of this study is to reveal the opinions of teachers on using the mind mapping technique in Life Science and Social Studies lessons. The participants of the study are 20 primary education teachers. In this study, a semi-structured interview technique was used. For content analysis, the themes and codes were defined, based on the views…

Teacher candidates in secondary social studies education come to their methods course eager to share their passion for the subject. Enthusiasm often turns to confusion and frustration when they are confronted with unforeseen decisions about the content they will teach before they determine the instructional strategies for teaching that material.…

This study proposed to determine the relative value of two specific techniques of instruction in the social studies, reading and listening, when the factors of varying levels of intelligence and reading ability, and sex were considered. (Author)

Furniture, clothing, and even the candy dish help amateur archaeologists uncover the "facts" through hands on experience. (Editor)

Social studies instruction using a variety of data sources engages elementary school children in relatively autonomous collecting, organizing, and evaluating of data--processes necessary for exercising sound judgment and taking appropriate action. (RM)

This article examines a decision-making strategy called mixed scanning which can be used to teach social participation in elementary and secondary social studies. The strategy requires logical gathering and analyzing of information, judging the alternatives, making choices, and planning a course of action. The article outlines environmental…

Suggests ways in which collection and analysis of genealogical data in history and social studies classes can develop research skills, increase student interest, and improve self-actualization. Instructions on drawing up blood line charts and family trees are presented. (Author/DB)

How museums have changed to accommodate young children is described, the importance of pre-visit preparations is discussed, and strategies and activities to enhance the concepts gained from museum experiences are presented. (RM)

The value of using more than one data collection procedure to investigate an educational question is illustrated. A semantic differential instrument provided an index of the direction and intensity of teachers' attitudes, but an unstructured interview provided a more detailed portrayal of their opinions. (RM)

Teachers at the elementary, secondary, or college level can use postage stamps to help students develop skills in language arts, data gathering, and critical analysis. The era of the American Revolution is used to illustrate this teaching technique. (Author/RM)

Social studies educators have long promoted inquiry learning as a valuable method of instruction. Specifically, research into the use of inquiry methods in the teaching and learning of history has demonstrated that this method has much to offer. Recently, the use of technological tools, including the Internet, has received attention as a means of…

Outlines a unit of study in which students undertake a scavenger hunt for data about the civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Lists 36 activities (e.g., obtain a copy of a search warrant) and assigns points for the completion of each. Explains that student groups attempt to earn a 200-point total by completing activities. (CH)

Social studies instruction will improve if social studies educators cooperate with computer professionals to develop ways of using the computer in the classroom. Objections of many social studies teachers to computers are based on experiences in which computers were used to intimidate consumers, implement poorly conceived projects, and promote…