Social Studies in Michigan: Some Individual Descriptions.

This is a set of 22 papers written by social studies teachers in Michigan describing innovative approaches in their programs. Robert Trezise's overview states that the programs were developed from both local commitment and funding, and Federal funding. The papers show: 1) a shift away from content per se to a focus on process; 2) concern for the self-fulfillment of the individual student and his development in a social context; 3) examples of extending the learning environment into the community; and, 4) a trend toward a variety of theme oriented elective social studies courses. Instructional techniques emphasized are open discussion, independent research, and little use of textbooks. Needs in the social studies detected from these papers are: 1) program coordination K-12; 2) a clear definition of objectives in social studies and an outline of strategies to accomplish them; and, 3) more stress on the pluralistic, multi-ethnic nature of our society. Programs include: humanities, Afro-American history, American Indian history, political science and government, and Mera and Oak Park projects, a study of mankind, community and outdoor social studies projects, and staff and student involvement in curriculum change. (VLW)