Book excerpt: Developments in the teaching and learning of social studies over the years point to a conceptual focus on the active study/investigation of significant social issues and concerns. While knowledge of these issues is important, equally so are the requisite skills and competencies that are required to enable the student to examine and analyse the issues and to make decisions about them. This handbook is therefore intended to project the teaching and learning of social studies as the development and acquisition of skills for the study of social issues or phenomena. These skills relate to gathering information, analysing and evaluating information, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, as well as social and interpersonal skills. The focus is on activities, practice and authentic learning. The content is organized into thirteen chapters, which may be used in sequence or can, equally well, stand alone. The chapters can also be used individually in workshops or seminars. the teacher-training institutions throughout the Caribbean, as well as for students in degree programmes in social studies in the Schools of Education at the University of the West Indies. Classroom teachers of social studies will also find the book very useful as a reference source.