Abstract
Over the past ten years, elementary methods texts in social studies have been proliferating at a tremendous rate. Most professors are unable to thoroughly examine each text. Therefore, the focus of this paper was to analyze ten recent (post 1976) methods texts. The analysis focused on how well these texts deal with 1) affect, 2) recent topics, 3) the use of new social studies materials, 4) a balance of theory and pragmatic ideas, 5) an active learning mode, 6) special populations, 7) a broad approach to evaluation, and 8) “basics.” Also examined was the question of their usefulness to inservice teachers. The methodology employed was a systematic examination and evaluation done by the researcher. The results are not totally objective (since the researcher is not), but they provide a useful indication of the material the texts cover and the manners in which it is presented. The researcher found two or three books superior for his purposes (which are stated), but noted that others will find some differences if their purposes differ from those of the researcher.
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