This article examines and critiques recent work that seeks to establish an effective context and environment for talk in the classroom using ground rules. The article argues that in their haste to facilitate ways to enrich the talk opportunities in the classroom, some academics have often failed to take account of a number of key cultural,…

Analyzes the importance of a critical pedagogy by examining its potentially transformative relations with the sphere of popular culture. The pedagogical relevance of popular culture is discussed. The notion of critical pedagogy as a form of cultural politics should be further developed. (Author/BJV)

This paper offers suggestions for changing high school microeconomics courses so that they might better reflect new thinking and new uncertainties in economics. Included is a section on goals for teaching economics in secondary schools. (JDH)

This article offers an analysis of Strober's paper (see SO516707) on the scope of microeconomics. It concludes that useful suggestions are made regarding modifications needed in the Joint Council's "Framework" and "Master Curriculum Guide." (JDH)

Describes how social work education must involve students in the contemporary peace movement. Focuses on the need for student awareness of: (1) the arms race and economic security; and (2) militarism and global development. (KH)

Discussion of the impact of popular music on studying historical and contemporary experiences of U.S. life focuses on the use of music to help social studies teachers convey the controversial nature of the Vietnam War. Songs with related themes are listed, and views of social studies education in popular music are also discussed. (LRW)

In this article, Eric Freedman examines the extent to which critical pedagogy can be considered a democratic form of education. Comparing Paulo Freire's notion of dialogue to Jurgen Habermas's "ideal speech situation," Freedman argues that such dialogue cannot realistically occur in educational situations where the teacher remains in an…

Reviews and critiques Strober's paper (see SO516707) on the scope of microeconomics instruction in United States schools. States that much of what is recommended by Strober would benefit economics instruction in both elementary and secondary schools; specifically endorsing increased emphasis on the role of values, efficiency, and equity within the…

Historical scholarship on race and sex advanced significantly in the 1970s, but Black and women's studies today face problems of inadequate funding, small enrollments, disproportionately little focus on women and Blacks in college curricula, and history instructors' failure to incorporate the new scholarship on race and sex into their teaching.…

Discusses Australian approaches to critical literacy. The editorial notes that conditions in Australia for curriculum development and implementation are in transition, with different approaches and priorities advanced in the second half of the 90s. Suggests that to teach critical literacy is to help students identify how the ways of focusing on…

Peace studies, as an academic discipline, dates back to the 1950s, when the field was characterized primarily by research. The 1970s brought a focus on undergraduate education. In the 1980s, a third wave brought the field into a prominence that allows it to challenge the Gulf War. (SLD)

Reviews the European experience with standardized education, and discusses the cultural and democratic implications of a curriculum directed by national standards. Argues that national standards in education cannot solve economic problems or inequalities in minority access to educational opportunity. (SR)

States that northern politics deserve a place in Canadian curricula because of its intrinsic interest and the opportunities it offers to study the relationship between aboriginal peoples and the Canadian state. Discusses territorial governments and the economic and constitutional problems facing them. Concludes that studying the north may bring…

The history of the federal government's involvement in elementary and secondary school curriculum development is traced. An attempt is made to place this involvement within a social and political perspective. Effects of policies and programs are outlined, and questions concerning the federal role in curriculum development are explored. (Author/GK)

Describes McCloud's efforts to improve coverage of the Vietnam War in the junior high school curriculum. Presents answers to the question "What do you think are the most important things for today's junior high students to understand about the Vietnam War?" from people such as Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Tom Hayden, and Robert S.…