Japan's educational system has undergone a series of reforms over the past decade or so. Through these reforms, the ruling party has strengthened the involvement of the government and local authorities in education. At the same time, there has been a growing tendency for teachers to avoid taking up political issues in classrooms, in order to…

In this article, I explore some contemporary versions of character education with specific reference to the extent to which they are viewed as constituting a form of citizenship education. I argue that such approaches often end up displacing the idea of political education and, through their language and stated aims, avoid any genuine engagement…

How can we promote student and civic engagement amongst our students? At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the political science courses in the First Year Learning Communities Program have been using the "New York Times" as a supplemental reader to increase student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. The paper will examine the…

Added to the mix in current discussion about the future of American democracy is the potentially revolutionary impact of new information technologies on civic life. This paper explores the claims for technology's ability to enhance civic participation, focusing particular attention on the Internet. The paper states that the claims are grounded,…

Procedures for organizing political education assemblies which present high school students with both sides of political issues, credentials of candidates, and an understanding of the U.S. political system are described. The assemblies provide non-partisan or bi-partisan information for students to make logical, responsible decisions. Information…

The only way to improve citizen participation in the political system is to renew the commitment to civic education. A successful civic education is one that educates its citizens in the basic principles and precepts of the American system and then keeps them informed. (MLW)

How the political literacy of an individual may be promoted is a controversial issue. An undeniable fact is that the agencies of socialization structuring political learning have to be understood in their historical context. The didactic discussion in Germany during the second half of the 20th century comprises a whole range of issues which are…

This paper describes an undergraduate political science course at Indiana State University (Terre Haute) entitled "Contemporary Political Problems." Current politics, economics, and social problems are emphasized. The underlying objective is to encourage students to participate in a knowledgeable and meaningful manner in the political…

Describes a study which asked 1,000 American high school seniors to explain what they understood by the term "democracy." Findings showed large proportions of the students had some idea of what it meant, but they had difficulty in applying democratic principles to the solution of political conflict situations. (Author/CK)

Describes a classroom exercise designed to heighten student interest in and understanding of political labels. Presents a survey to help students place themselves on the political spectrum. Suggests that discussion following such a survey will help students understand peoples' reactions to change. (DK)

Recent research in civic education suggests much for shaping and focusing secondary social studies methods course work. This Digest: (1) provides an overview of selected findings from recent studies of secondary students' civic understanding and engagement; and (2) offers five research-based suggestions for social studies methods instructors.…

Procedures for establishing a student-run election information and issue analysis center at the high school level are presented. The purpose of the election information center is to provide the student population with an awareness of candidate's views and to coordinate volunteer activities of students in a campaign. Student personnel include a…

In order for citizens to be capable of fully engaging in civic and political life, they must possess a minimum of civic skills. Civic skills include personal communication skills, knowledge of political systems, and the ability to critically think about civic and political life. Numerous civic skills have been identified theoretically, but only…

A collection of resources for high school history and government teachers and their students, this volume treats core ideas on constitutional government in the United States. James Madison's ideas as found in "The Federalist Papers" are examined in conjunction with their counterpoints in essays of the Anti-Federalists. This volume…

Appropriate for high school students, a research project to ascertain community needs and problems is outlined. Suggestions for research include areas of economic structure, government, education, and housing. Students are introduced to methods of data gathering (observation, questioning, and use of existing data) and to sources of data such as…