Prior research indicates that individuals are more likely to take political action (e.g., vote, contact representatives, protest) when they have higher levels of "political efficacy," the belief that one's actions can influence political processes. In this mixed methods longitudinal study, I draw on Wenger's and Bandura's theories of…

Friction in the classroom may create useful tension for teachers when they attempt to discuss sensitive topics as part of democratic learning. Due to the openness and indeterminacy of these topics, students can experience what it is like to be (political) subjects in a diverse society and become aware of other people's subjectness in a charged…

It is imperative that schools and communities give students opportunities to participate in active citizenship and prepare them with the important skills and dispositions needed to become informed citizens. Action civics is a promising practice that puts students at the heart of civics learning by providing them with the opportunity to learn about…

This comparative case study presents one key challenge that 2 experienced teachers faced when using simulations: control. Simulations are activities that place high demands on teachers, including the ability to anticipate pitfalls in advance, act in multiple capacities, shape the direction of the activity without unduly interfering, and to be…

Service-learning is promoted widely by professional organizations (NCSS, 2001), but often with little reflection on the nature of meaningful student participation and the impact of teacher leadership styles. The authors studied mixed-age "small school" advisory groups involved in service-learning at one elementary school; observational, interview,…

Political events both in the United States and around the world have led to a resurgence of interest in citizenship education. With this in mind, we conducted a study in rural schools to determine the perceptions of eighth and eleventh grade students regarding citizenship. We wanted to find out what rural students believe are the attributes of a…

Praises Ann V. Angell's efforts to document her experiments with student democracy in the classroom but critiques the experiment as having a limited view of democracy. Provides a rationale for a broader view of democracy in the classroom and provides examples from the authors' teaching experiences. (DSK)

Immigrant adolescents are one of the fastest growing segments of our population, yet we know little about how schools prepare them for citizenship. Although prior research suggests that high school civics education, academic achievement, and a sense of connection increase political participation in early adulthood, we do not know if these…

Tests a model which relates student political attitudes to the degree of participation in extracurricular activities. Subjects were 3,087 high school students. Findings showed that political attitudes are predictors of participation in the political arena in high schools. (AM)

This study examines the effects of the Japan BRIDGE Project, a global education program, on its third grade participants. Characterization of lessons and analysis of student interviews were used to investigate the nature of the curriculum and whether or not student participants were more culturally sensitive due to participation. Results indicate…

Responds to comments by David Hursh and Aggie Seneway on the author's classroom experiments with student democracy. Clarifies points from her initial article to answer questions by the commentators. Finds agreement with them on most points, except for the necessity of parliamentary debate as a fundamental element of democracy. (DSK)

Describes a study of the effects of student participation in school policy-making upon student attitudes. Data were collected from students in a comprehensive high school and a small alternative school within the comprehensive school. Students in the alternative school participated more in policy-making and also showed more positive attitudes.…

Suggests that indirect process oriented teaching methods are not too successful with elementary school social studies students because there is a tendency for teachers to provide too little information to enable a rational child to discover the ideas he or she is supposed to learn. Modifications in the form and application of the teaching strategy…

Focuses on an attempt to teach a graduate social studies seminar democratically. Discusses two key themes, voice and choice, highlighting issues that emerge through efforts to share power and decision making with students. Presents observations and points to implications for democratic teaching methods. (DSK)

A study assessed the impact of different kinds of school management techniques on the development of political attitudes among students. The hypothesis was that students in schools which encourage student participation in decision-making will reflect higher levels of political interest, trust, and confidence. It was confirmed. (Author/DB)