This brief examines the findings of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California examining a project-based approach to Advanced Placement courses. The randomized study found the proportion of students earning a credit-qualifying score on the AP test was 8 percentage points higher in the project-based version of the…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Knowledge in Action (KIA) project-based learning (PBL) approach to Advanced Placement (AP) on students' AP examination performance. This study used a randomized controlled trial, with school-level randomization within five large and predominantly urban U.S. school districts, to compare the AP…

Many American high school government and history teachers aim to convey curriculum content without bringing in their own personal political beliefs or biases. However, in the hyperpolarized political climate of the past decade, teachers have grappled with teaching their courses when potentially controversial political or cultural issues come up in…

The course materials students are expected to utilise in online instruction vary. Studies have shown that students tend to enjoy online courses with lecture videos more than those without, but few studies have measured the impact of lecture videos on student outcomes. Do lecture videos increase student understanding and retention, thus improving…

This project posits that incorporating political humor into the classroom can have a positive effect on learning in higher education. Specifically, we present preliminary findings from a quasi-experiment in which a humorous, "mock" textbook titled America (The Book) (Stewart, Karlin, and Javerbaum 2004) was incorporated into Introduction to…

A game to help secondary civics students understand how a Congressional bill becomes law is presented. The game board is pictured; teachers have to run off copies on the photocopier and then add dice and some colored pieces of paper for students to use as markers. (RM)

There are many available resources, other than textbooks, for studying government. Simulation games are available, both commercial ones and those an imaginative teacher can develop. Newspapers, video tapes, educational films, and computer games are other resources which can be used in government courses. (CS)

The intent of this article is to present a case study of the formative stage of evaluation of the two-semester high school course in American Political Behavior developed by the author. (JB)

Focuses upon classroom presentation of issues related to the Fourth Amendment of U.S. Constitution. Presents a description of a drug test case simulation (D. Hess); a case involving drug testing in the public sector which is to be heard by the Supreme Court (L. Mandell); and other teaching strategies (D. Hess). Provides a guide for finding Supreme…

If students are to understand the American Constitution, they must, like the Founders, take political philosophy seriously. Books and essays that college teachers can use to teach about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are discussed. (RM)

Discusses recent Supreme Court decisions dealing with sexual harassment and other interesting topics, as well as previewing some cases on the upcoming docket. Provides suggested research and discussion questions for students studying these cases and points to teaching resources on the Supreme Court. (DSK)

This book was designed to provide a basis for understanding constitutional government and for participating in U.S. society. Each lesson within the book's six units contains a statement of purpose and a list of review questions: most also contain problem solving exercises. Unit One introduces students to the study of political philosophy. The…

This book provides a historical perspective on the changing nature of the United States Constitution and the society it has shaped. Part I focuses on the eighteenth century with chapters on the origins, writing, and ratification of the Constitution. Activities are designed to help students think about the difficulties associated with the creation…

Suggests using political fiction in teaching government or politics. Observes that many political novels reflect their authors' political philosophies and that good fiction about the U.S. political system is not easy to find. Provides an annotated bibliography of leading works of political fiction. (SG)