Journal of International Social Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2014, 92.


Journal of International Social Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2014, 92. 
 
International Perspectives on teaching Social Studies  

Dr Anatoli Rapaport, Purdue University 

Editor International Perspectives 

I offer two wonderful articles providing international perspectives from different parts of the world. 
One provides a window of clarity about what happens in Turkish social studies classes and how 
international education trends such as assessment are affecting these classroom practices. Turkey 
has followed United States’ models of good practice in social studies but has in the United States 
itself assessment has become an issue, not because models have changed but because in Turkey 
traditional standardised tests have continued despite professional learning for teachers and their 
communities. Dr Açıkalın provides ideas for future developments for both Turkish and U.S. social 
studies.  

The other article I have had the honour to review provides guidance for social studies teachers in the 
United States to help them explore some of the contradictions in the rhetoric between different 
sides of current issues such as the Arab Spring. Dr Saada provides useful examples of how ‘Othering’ 
is used in current media debates and suggests approaches that may help develop critiques around 
these debates.  

I commend the articles to you and thank my colleagues for their work. 

Anatoli 

 

Corresponding author email:  rapaport@purdue.edu 
©2012/2015 International Assembly Journal of International Social Studies  
Website: http://www.iajiss.org   ISSN: 2327-3585  
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