The educational history of Upper Canada is commonly written as the succession of an elite group of educational reformers who advocated a centralized system of mass schooling. However, the recent shift in research on Upper Canada away from the narrative of prominent individuals who controlled the social, political, and economic development of the…

The historic events of 1989 changed the political map of the world. Students and workers in China rose up to demand democracy. Democracy bloomed in Chile, Brazil, and other Latin American countries where freely elected governments replaced repressive rulers. Communist dictatorships in Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Rumania were…

Discusses the purposes of history in the curriculum. Presents several examples of using history to explain contemporary events. Argues that historical knowledge is essential for effective citizenship in a democratic society. (CFR)

As interest in service-learning increases, there is a concomitant need for a theoretical base for it. Reviews aspects of John Dewey's educational and social philosophy relevant to the development service-learning theory, including learning from experience, reflective thinking, citizenship, community, and democracy. A series of key questions for…

Identifies five specific areas in which John Dewey's writings contribute to service-learning: linking education to experience; democratic community; social service; reflective inquiry; and education for social transformation. Argues that these contributions form the basis of a cultural and political critique and reconceptualized pedagogy aimed at…

This booklet explores the question of what the role and task of schools should be in facing the changes underway in educational systems throughout Europe. The school's tasks always been that of teaching, educating and preparing children for life in society. Ethical and moral standards has been seen as part of that task. This area is also very…

Summarizes research from Ph.D. dissertations that indicates that schools with a written policy on the selection and reconsideration of library materials are more successful in retaining questioned materials. Highlights include legal aspects of censorship; censorship attempts by community members, teachers, and librarians; and prospects for future…

This paper examines the development of character education requirements in New Hampshire public school curricula and the education of teachers to be certified to teach character education. The research literature is reviewed and examples of programs for character development are described. Several observations provide helpful insights on the…

Notes that news media use has declined in recent years, particularly among young people. Offers a critical review of research on the changing role of journalism in political socialization. Evaluates calls for popular alternatives to conventional forms of news and for a postmodern conception of citizenship and the public sphere. Concludes that more…

Describes the changes in Soviet/Russian higher education since 1986. Reviews the development of higher education since 1918 and the bureaucratic structures that stifled progress and focused on vocational preparation. Argues that decentralization of authority will lead to improved general education essential for a free society. (CFR)

Connects the concept of diversity to the symbiotic relationship between individuality and community in the United States. Maintains that cultural awareness is a valid and realistic response to global interdependence and changing demographics. Criticizes the notion of ethnic pluralism as a "balkanizing" influence on communities and the…

Asserts that preparing students to be rational decision makers in a democracy and productive participants in the economy are major goals of education. Argues social studies education must provide opportunities for analysis and decision making related to current major issues. Identifies the National Issues Forum in the Classroom program as an…

Examines the role of higher education as the European Community moves toward economic, monetary, and political union. Reviews several programs designed to bring more uniformity and equality to educational opportunities in all member nations. Concludes that higher education has assumed a leadership role in bringing about political and economic…

This report focuses on the research aspects of the Equipped for the Future (EFF) project that works toward system reform for adult literacy and lifelong learning. Section 1 describes the EFF process 1993-97, the impetus for EFF, and approaches to system reform. Section 2 explores the research processes EFF uses to build a framework that could…

Informed observers, from the political right to the left, believe that citizen education requires reform. While its effects on public life may be unclear, democratic theory insists that education is required as a condition of democracy itself. Most often, students are given information about the founding of the government, its structure, and due…