Democratic societies require a citizenry skilled in argumentation. At present, the written argument maintains primacy among communicative modes. Because of its cognitive demands, written argumentation is often difficult to teach. A multimodal approach to writing instruction carries the potential to assist struggling learners. This article outlines…

A schema is presented for analyzing curriculum plans and materials related to values and moral education. The plan reviews six aspects of the materials: antecedent conditions, rationale and objectives, descriptive characteristics, pupil activities, teaching strategies, and diagnosis and evaluation needs, procedures, and data. (Author/AV)

An explanation of the move from using a single continuum to a circle and finally to a quadrangle as a tool for explaining political positions which clarifies their complexity rather than oversimplifying and distorting them. (ND)

Identifies major value bases which have been used to teach values in the classroom and outlines a values education program which stresses teaching about values without indoctrination. Based upon the hierarchy of human needs developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow, the program is based upon universal values, basic human needs, and recognition of…

Asks three questions: (1) Are machines capable of thinking as people do? (2) How is the thinking of computers similar and different from human thinking? and (3) What exactly is thinking? Examines research in artificial intelligence. Describes the theory and research of consciousness education and discusses an emerging paradigm for human thinking…

Presents the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion) method used to analyze and judge legal cases. Stresses this method's applicability for social studies instruction, stating it helps students assess facts and apply rules to reach and defend conclusions. Provides examples for using the IRAC method in U.S. government and U.S. history units.…