Trends in K-12 Social Studies. ERIC Digest.

N

4

Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.

Controversial Issues (Course Content); Curriculum Development; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Ethical Instruction; Geography Instruction; History Instruction; Literature; Multicultural Education; Religion Studies; Social Studies; Teaching Methods; Western Civilization; Writing Instruction

Drawing on contemporary research literature, recently developed curriculum guides, and blue-ribbon reports, this digest reviews 10 contemporary trends in K-12 social studies in the United States. Trends are as follows: (1) History, history, and more history; (2) More geography, too; (3) Using literature to teach social studies; (4) Focus on the multicultural nature of American society; (5) Renewed attention to western civilization; (6) Renewed attention to ethics and values; (7) Increased attention to the role of religion; (8) Attention to contemporary and controversial issues; (9) Covering issues in depth; and (10) Writing, writing, and more writing. (DB)

1993

ED351278