Social studies is a subject discipline which has had significant dispute over a range of areas. There is much variation in how social studies is conceptualised, in terms of both terminology and definition, as well as in what subject content it is considered to encompass and how it is structured and organised. This article examines the various ways…

This article sought to give an overview of different interpretations and characterizations of socioscientific issues (SSIs) by identifying single entities that could form components of SSI and give examples of where single entities were combined to involve SSI in enhancing scientific literacy. Through a narrative literature review, the article…

Controversial issues should be taught in school. Charles Bailey's and R.F. Dearden's opinions of what makes an issue controversial are critiqued. Bailey accounts for controversial issues in behavioral terms; Dearden advances an epistemic account. (RM)

Article provided information teachers should know before teaching ethnic studies courses: What is it? Why teach it? What is the content scope? Where does it fit into the curriculum? These four questions were answered and strategies for developing ethnic studies programs were suggested. (Author/RK)

Reviews the debate in the literature concerning what is meant by computer literacy, with some authors arguing it implies knowledge about computers and others using the term synonymously with computer programing, and points out that staff development goals in computer literacy can differ widely according to which definition is utilized. (MBR)

What is a teacher to do when confronted with a student who says "I understand that theory (e.g., evolution), but I don't believe it"? The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for answering this question. First we describe the various ways in which the terms "know/knowledge" and "believe/belief" are used and summarize the distinctions…

The translation of a Russian college level textbook dealing with educational sociology is presented in this and the October issue. The textbook's introduction and first two chapters are included in this issue. The subject matter of educational sociology and the societal functions of education in a socialist society are discussed. (RM)

Some educators applaud this effort to provide guidance to school systems; others, however, are not pleased with the guidelines. Reasons for negative reactions include: lack of rationale, narrow scope, conservative tone, lack of attention to research concerning developmental learning stages, and the reactionary nature of the report. (RM)

The following paper is intended as an exercise in "friendly criticism" of one of Harvey Siegel's and Mike Smith's ("Knowing, Believing and Understanding", this volume). I'm in substantial sympathy with the general thrust of their paper and my remarks merely provide some criticism of their discussion's conceptual coherence and clarity and a…

This guide is designed for K-12 teachers, administrators, and local curriculum committees to help them clarify the purposes of social studies and use constructive strategies for instructional improvement. It is based on the ideas that social studies is basic to the education of citizens and that social studies curricula ought to be determined…

Definitions and goals of lifelong education are discussed, and how instructors in the colleges and universities of Great Britain could change their own instructional methods and course content to make them compatible with the promotion of lifelong learning is examined. (RM)

Educators in the Netherlands conceive of peace education as alternating between the transformation or improvement of the individual and the transformation of structures within which people act. Peace education aims at raising people's consciousness that they are responsible for peace. (RM)

Examination of computer literacy debate presents arguments by Leuhrmann, who advocates teaching computer literacy in one course rather than across the curriculum; six definitions from educators; and results of a survey of 10 state education agencies on recent state involvement in implementation of computer literacy programs. (MBR)

Entrepreneurship education is a growing field in university business schools, community colleges, and public schools. According to the literature, business education focuses on running a business whereas entrepreneurship education focuses on the skills needed to conceive of and start up a brand new business venture. The necessary components of…

This guide presents a framework and offers alternatives for developing a logical and consistent K-12 social studies scope and sequence. Although written for use by Connecticut educators, the guide can be used by educators in any state. There are nine sections to the guide. Section one contains a definition of social studies. Section two deals with…