Summarizes the results of an International Bioethics Education Survey conducted in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Compares knowledge and teaching of 15 selected topics with particular emphasis on the teaching of social, ethical, and environmental issues of in vitro fertilization, prenatal diagnosis, biotechnology, nuclear power, pesticides,…

Presenting syntheses of research on effective instruction in 30 program areas, this paper is designed as a resource to assist teachers in expanding and refining their repertoire of teaching strategies and to guide instructional planning and decision making. For each program area, the paper presents a "finding" (a one-sentence statement…

This document presents student readings that address a variety of environmental issues. The individual articles present a global perspective that is both alarming and hopeful. Drawing from events and situations in both the northern and southern hemispheres, the articles describe a world in crisis. By critically examining the status quo, the…

The Kanawha County textbook controversy of 1974 sparked profound changes in the American political landscape and American education. The roots of this controversy go back to the 1960's, when drug use, women's liberation, violence, and sex education convinced conservatives that America was in moral decline. Parents in Kanawha County fingered school…

Rationales, approaches, and constraints on genocide awareness education at all school levels are discussed. It is critical that students, especially U.S. students who live in a culturally pluralistic society, be made aware of how genocide was perpetrated in the past and of the fact that it is still happening today. A basic genocide awareness…

This social studies curriculum bulletin is intended as a resource for teachers in grades 7-12. Social studies units are provided to teach students to cope with conflict, resolve issues, and bring about orderly social change. Seven problems are developed in detail: 1) the nature of democracy and role of the individual; 2) the challenge of urban…

This book presents a rational discussion process approach to the teaching of specific social controversies in the social studies in secondary schools. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of this approach which includes both theory and application. The introductory chapters place the discussion process framework within terms of American values…

This dissertation suggests that the role of social studies teachers should be to introduce new alternatives, values, and ways of thinking in civic education. One thousand three hundred seventy elementary teachers responded to a questionnaire on: 1) background; 2) liberal-conservative attitude; 3) degree of political and professional activity; 4)…

Recommends a combination of video and lecture material for an undergraduate unit on antisemitism. Divides the unit into three topics: (1) "Jews as the Other"; (2)"Stereotypes and Conspiracy Theories"; and (3) "Jewish Identity." Includes a pretest and posttest questionnaire on students' attitudes and knowledge regarding Jews and Judaism. (MJP)

Presents a negotiation model for thinking about controversial issues in psychology. Provides students a framework for managing conflicts, including conflicting positions on professional ethics. Discusses relationships among three models of critical thinking. (CFR)

Five boys and five girls each in grades one through six (n=60 students) asked controversial questions in interviews, recognized the lack of social consensus on the controversial topics and made subtle distinctions between controversial and noncontroversial topics. Implications for discussion of controversial issues in the classroom are discussed.…

Encourages engaging students in critical and empathic analysis of biblical inerrancy and discrepancies between biblical and scientific information. Premises arguments on teaching experience as an English literature professor. Stresses respect for religious differences while developing critical thinking habits. Emphasizes importance of…

Presents four techniques to bring current science controversy into the classroom: (1) daily reviews and discussions of current science articles; (2) weekly group analysis of an assigned article; (3) individual student reports of a science controversy; and (4) a yearlong cooperative group study of a science issue. (MDH)

Presents a secondary lesson in which students examine the U.S. Constitution and decide about a simulated case of ethnic bias and discrimination. Links this case to the Japanese Relocation Camps in the United States during World War II. Provides lesson objectives, instructional procedures, and four student handouts. (CFR)

This Yearbook is an expression of the National Council for the Social Studies' conviction that social studies teachers need to recognize their responsibility for introducing controversial issues into the classroom. Examination of social problems serve as a means to teach students how to think, rather than what to think, so that students will be…