Proposes a teaching/learning strategy for college level sociology courses on problem solving. The method involves directing students to assess the logical adequacy of statements selected from common sense, journalism, and sociology. Evaluation of a course based on this method indicates that it can help students develop rational thinking skills.…

Discusses using open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for teaching sociology courses. Suggests that the meetings provide excellent case studies and can exemplify a variety of topics. Stresses that three conditions must be present: (1) easy access to meetings and high student interest; (2) meeting experience is integrated into course; and (3) student…

Discusses use and development of case studies for instruction in the decision-making process. Suggests that discussion of a case should focus on questions concerning clarification of issues, exploration of events, evaluation of issues, and implications and application of findings. (KC)

Six student projects which focus attention on the activities and processes through which conditions come to be defined as social problems are described. They demonstrate the relevance of the student's own values and life experiences in understanding social problems. (Author/DE)

Discusses teaching approaches which incorporate science/technology/society issues in elementary and secondary school science curriculum, including short topics, discrete units, elective courses, full-fledged science/technology/society curricula, and interdisciplinary courses taught by several teachers in different fields. Ways to persuade teachers…

Presents evaluation sheet for secondary school students to use in understanding specific social issues and the implications of particular decisions. Students rate the action in terms of implementation, implications of results, what historians will say later, and what the public will say at the time. (KC)

Describes the NO circle, used in the classroom to relieve tension and anxiety, after viewing slides on pornography and listening to women tell stories of individual brutalization. Provides teaching techniques, and claims that the NO circle helps women find empowerment, overcome denial, and gain distance from the problem. (NL)

A prospectus and practical guide, this manual shows college teachers how to help students better understand social problems by comparing sociology with two other types of social knowledge (common sense and journalism) and cultivate critical thinking skills which transcend the three types of social knowledge. Chapter 1 proposes a teaching/learning…

Provides a rationale for the use of science fiction materials to teach socialization and presents a list of resources for teachers, curriculum directors, and supervisors for use in developing lessons in this area. (FL)

Describes a social studies unit for teaching high school students about energy. Entitled "Energy Tradeoffs in the Marketplace," the unit focuses on economic aspects of energy, economic-related educational games, social decision making with regard to energy, and social studies skill development. (DB)

All disciplines are potentially useful for fuller interpretation of reality. Interdisciplinary instruction should emphasize cooperation, rather than conflict, among disciplines. Topics can include objects and processes (a horse or a river), events (the fall of Rome or migration), and issues (alcohol, crime, sports, or self and society). (DF)

Gives advice to those persons contemplating teaching about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in their sociology classroom. Describes the organization of an upper-level seminar for 10 students. Identifies a number of pedagogical and personal hazards that might be encountered when teaching about AIDS and offers strategies for coping with…

In many social studies classes learning is made "relevant" by simply presenting contemporary issues and current affairs. However, when teaching about issues, certain decisions need to be made concerning content and techniques. The author makes a suggestion that the major content focus on not merely understanding the problems facing society, but…

A guide to music and its use in secondary classes to explore social change and the future also offers individualized discussion questions, potential classroom resource people, popular songs and reading resources for the teachers -- all categorized in 10 future-oriented themes. (JR)

Reviews a classroom experience which used the computer simulation "Decisions, Decisions: Immigration" in a secondary school social studies class. Highlights include descriptions of the decision making process, rank ordering of priorities, political and social issues relating to immigration, and benefits of teaching the simulation. (LRW)