Argues that the failure to remember the civic purpose of education affects the place public schools hold in society. Believes that public schools are the means for educating students to become responsible citizens emphasizing the value of the public school and its capacity to promote the common good. (CMK)

The reconstructionists have raised a number of questions and made specific proposals for improving the process of social education as currently practiced. In particular, their ideas concerning ideology, indoctrination, relativism, and social welfare should be studied. (RM)

Explores present educational needs for implementing a democratic society in Poland. Challenges education to identify the tasks and values of democratic education. Contends that education formerly confirmed the role of socialism and Communist ideology. Argues that the current thrust is the ideal of a participatory society. Lists skills necessary to…

Recounts a group of western educators' three-week tour of Korea, sponsored by the Korean Studies Workshop. The educators interviewed administrators, attended lectures, and visited elementary and secondary schools. Provides an excellent overview of the state of Korean K-12 education, including proposed curricular reforms. (MJP)

Asserts that the parameters and objectives of citizenship education should be expanded to incorporate multicultural perspectives. Criticizes traditional citizenship education for promoting limited objectives reflecting the status quo. Maintains that changing demographics and an emphasis on critical thinking necessitate a broader curriculum. (MJP)

Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…

Provides guidelines, activities, and teaching tips for creating and maintaining an open, cooperative, and participating social studies classroom. These guidelines offer support and structure to the students, encouraging them to engage in constructive dialog without fear of undue criticism or rejection. (MJP)

Argues that traditional classroom management, with its emphasis on negative authoritarian rules delivered intact from the teacher, is in direct conflict with the goals and objectives of citizenship education. Proposes an alternative consisting of a collaborative and responsible rule-making effort between the teacher and the class. (MJP)

Examines possible reasons for the lack of issues-oriented instruction in social studies classrooms. Provides curriculum suggestions to remedy this, including exploring debatable issues that can be researched and are interesting. Includes 12 instructional strategies designed to maintain student interest and smooth over rough spots. (MJP)

Delineates four compelling reasons for placing bioethical issues, including abortion, in a curricular context. These include linking ethics and civics, preparing informed decision makers, public debate, and studying the future today. Includes activities and questions designed to provide students with a conceptual focus. (MJP)

Advocates teaching controversial issues to children, claiming that they already have some knowledge of these through their own experience and media exposure. Describes role-playing activities, including simulated small claims court and city council hearings. Provides an overview of a five-day instructional unit on violence. (MJP)

Maintains that teachers must act a clear role or roles when discussing controversial issues. Discusses the various roles a teacher may assume, including presiding judge, determined advocate, nurturant facilitator, and socratic cross-examiner. Suggests which scenarios may work best with different roles. (MJP)

Presents three law-related education lesson plans discussing the relationship between church and state. The first two lessons, establishment of religion and free exercise of religion, culminate in the third, a round table discussion. The students research, role play, and argue hypothetical and real court cases. (MJP)