To study the local newspaper reading habits of teenagers from six schools in Florida as compared with those of teenagers from six schools in other states, a four-page questionnaire was administered to a total of 887 students in English and journalism classes. Among reading categories listed on the questionnaire were domestic news items, world…

The October 1973 issue of ATLAS, a newsletter for the Association of Teachers of Latin American Studies, is entered into the ERIC system on a one time basis to acquaint teachers with this resource. This issue reports summer activities and reviews new materials in this subject area. The events of the 1973 summer ATLAS-Fulbright Seminar to Mexico…

This classroom text is intended to assist teachers in educating students as consumers of the mass media, especially in messages from abroad. The subject has two major aspects: 1) the student's own limitation, and 2) the effects of human frailty in gathering and presenting the news. The newspaper is emphasized over other news media in this book.…

A rationale for the social studies k-12 program in Baltimore County is presented in this report designed to help teachers review a philosophy of social studies education. Accompanying the rationale are a series of related position papers which elaborate important aspects of social studies education. Also included is a Board of Education Policy…

Presents guidelines for creating student database files that supplement classroom teaching. Highlights include determining educational objectives, planning the database with computer specialists and subject area specialists, data entry, and creating student worksheets. Specific examples concerning elements of the periodic table and…

Describes how news magazines were used successfully as supplements to teach civic literacy, vocabulary, and writing to college level reluctant readers. Contains two sample exercises. (HOD)

Pejorative terms, biased or incomplete maps and illustrations, outdated bibliographies, and narrow or missing coverage characterize the treatment of Native Americans in the latest editions of three leading textbooks used in college level American history survey courses. (SB)

Describes the use of current events for term paper subjects in a freshman chemistry class to address such problems as the detachment of freshman chemistry principles from world issues, and the tendency of high achieving students to memorize facts without thinking critically. Students gain appreciation for the relationship between textbook…

Discusses strategies used by two teachers for teaching geography to at-risk students to connect the subject matter to the student's lives. Includes techniques such as integrating music, art, language, employing simulations when teaching, using current events to improve students' reading skills, and utilizing computer technology. (CMK)

Provides an extension of the basic banking model used in introductory economics courses. This expanded model introduces the concept of banking capital and reserves, and includes the relationship existing between current issues and banking structure and money supply growth. Provides worksheet exercises and answers. (LS)

Contends that thousands of high schools subscribe to the daily "Channel One" newscast. Outlines a literature review and survey of 600 high school students about their attitudes toward "Channel One." Finds students generally have positive feelings about the news program but not about the commercials. (CFR)

Presents a teacher's report on personal reactions and attitudes of both German students and teachers toward German reunification. Information was obtained through interviews during a week stay in Germany in March 1990. Includes many quotes expressing fear of nationalism and hope for the future, and recognizing social and economic problems Germany…

Recommends using focus group interviews and other discussion techniques, generally used in business, to examine social studies issues. Outlines and discusses how these techniques (systems thinking, mental models, shared vision, team learning) can greatly enhance social studies instruction of current events and controversial issues. (MJP)

Presents the results from a survey of middle and high school social studies teachers that asked if and how the impeachment of President Bill Clinton was being taught. Discusses implications for social studies curriculum, current issues, the media, and teaching middle school students. (CMK)