Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning
Macmillan
1991
ISBN 0-02-895790-3
Grade focus: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
The Handbook presents a comprehensive view and analysis of available research on social studies teachers, teaching social studies, and the learning process for social studies content. Needed future research efforts are identified and methodological issues for research in social studies education are raised.
Five chapters in the Handbook include brief overviews of research findings on student cognitive development and student ideas that have relevance for learning concepts addressed in Science for All Americans (SFAA). Chapter 9: Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Development: Early Childhood Social Studies, Chapter 10: The Cognitive, Social-Emotional, and Moral Development Characteristics of Students: Basis for Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Chapter 11: Adolescents' Social, Cognitive, and Moral Development and Secondary School Social Studies, and Chapter 33: Teaching and Learning Economics address students' understanding of topics that relate to SFAA Chapter 7: Human Society. Such topics include social conventions, political socialization, political and economic thinking, social conflict, and developing a global perspective. The Handbook's Chapter 32: Teaching and Learning History can inform educators about teaching and learning about the history of science (SFAA Chapter 10: Historical Perspectives).
The primary audience for the Handbook is researchers. It is also
suggested as a resource for graduate seminars in social studies education.
It also may be useful for teachers who are interested in having an insight
into research in social studies education. They should be warned, however,
that the Handbook's authors did not aim their chapters directly
at teachers' immediate classroom interests.