Over 50 phases and sub-steps common to decision-making processes are discussed in an effort to create a clearer view of individual, group, social, and political decision making. The discussion is intended to encourage social studies teachers to use an action-oriented approach to teaching decision-making skills. (Author/RM)

Discusses the connection between economics and decision making in everyday life. Compares basic economic concepts such as choices, scarcity, opportunity costs, indirect costs, and decision making to the choices that students make in their personal lives. Maintains that through the study of economics, students can become responsible decision…

Illustrates how economic content and methodology contribute to citizenship education. States that economic courses should emphasize performance measures, the concept of scarcity, and risk management. Suggests that textbooks should become less important as instructional resources and that students should learn critical thinking skills through case…

This description of a process used in a social studies methods course presents an experiential approach to helping students learn power sharing and decision-making skills. By leaving students alone with instructions to decide cooperatively on desired class changes, type of evaluation, and leadership, students gain experience in negotiation and…

This simulation can be used to help secondary students examine the national and global energy issue. Students role-play various groups, including the Departments of Energy and Transportation, the U.S. Automobile Manufacturer's Association, oil lobby groups, conservation groups, citizen groups, a solar lobbying organization, and a nuclear power…

This course guide provides a framework for teaching an ethics course, developed for eighth-graders, that explores the development of values, the decision-making process, and the role of community. Class objectives, procedures, and assignments for 48 class periods are divided into 10 units. Student handouts along with unit assignment lists,…

Asserts that a goal of social studies instruction is to help students make decisions about complicated social issues and that this goal is best accomplished through development of postformal cognitive processes. Defines postformal thought and examines two types: relativistic and dialectical. Shows how postformal thought can be promoted through two…

Suggests that social studies classroom teachers should use the process of rational decision making to teach students how to think at higher intellectual levels, become more creative, clarify values, and increase moral development. Learning activities are described. (DB)

Presents three simulations in which participants must make decisions based on a limited number of choices among a defined set of alternatives. Students (1) decide which English convicts will be transported to the colonies; (2) place individuals in one of two retirement homes; and (3) choose which children will help their mother draw up her will.…

Describes a curriculum program designed to encourage sixth-grade students to think about issues from a variety of perspectives and make informed decisions. Discusses the incorporation of computer software from the "Decisions, Decisions" series into the instructional process. Outlines the components of the curriculum, provides an evaluation of the…

This article discusses techniques for integrating real problem solving and decision making into secondary social studies programs. Approaches to creative problem solving are presented, and various systematic decision making programs currently available for classroom use are identified. (Author/RM)

This bulletin undertakes to provide some ideas about ways social studies teachers may become effective teachers in an Information Age. Several chapters provide practical examples of ways teachers may help young people learn skills, content, and actions needed for citizenship behavior in the future. Other chapters describe resources currently…

Defines a rationale for teaching decision-making skills and outlines an eight-step decision-making process. Describes how the process may be applied at all levels, in classrooms, and in dealing with students' personal problems. (Author/KC)

Describes the beginnings and development of the New Social Studies as an attempt to foster citizen ability to make decisions on major issues. Suggests that the movement ended because of commercialization of materials, lack of a research base, failure to consider the personalities of teacher and student, and failure to consider the hidden…

Answers criticism directed at utilitarianism. Argues that the philosophy evaluates choices by identifying the factors that should be considered in weighing the morality of an act. Suggests that the distributive principle of impartiality means everyone's pleasure should count equally. (DK)