Provides two sequential writing assignments, a foreign policy issue brief and an issue analysis project, used in introductory political science courses as part of a writing-across-the-curriculum program at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. Explains each assignment's component parts and the reliance on teacher-student interaction for success.…

Contends that pluralistic democracy relies on conflict of ideas and participative decision making. Reports on case studies of two different approaches to teaching world studies. Finds that both approaches encouraged students to participate actively, but others remained silent during the discussion. (CFR)

Asserts that the PBS series "The Civil War" presents historical information that can encourage critical thinking by students. Offers a lesson plan based on one program in the series, "The Cause." Provides questions for student discussion and outlines writing assignments based on the series. (CFR)

Asserts that the United States and Japan exist in a symbiotic partnership and that sociology courses provide an excellent opportunity to teach about multicultural issues. Describes a college-level course on the sociology of Japan. Discusses teaching methods, instructional materials, and the potential for team-teaching. (CFR)

Asserts that the early childhood social studies curriculum should enable children to rethink and revise their tentative understandings of the world in light of new information and experiences. Argues that teachers must have knowledge of history, the social sciences, and cultural pluralism to design and teach social studies effectively. (CFR)

Eight principles defining the professional responsibility of the college teacher are posited and discussed briefly: content competence; pedagogical competence; appropriate dealing with sensitive topics; contribution to student development; avoidance of dual-role relationships with students; maintenance of confidentiality; respect for colleagues;…

Conceptualizes a new vision of multicultural education going beyond the piecemeal inclusion of previously underrepresented cultures. Global humanities emphasizes the interactivity and interdependence inherent in cross-cultural interrelationships. Briefly discusses the scholarship of Janet Abu-Lughod and its antecedents. (MJP)

Describes the modification of a University of Florida dental school course in clinical case studies to better integrate basic and clinical sciences and increase the role of problem-based learning (PBL). Early results suggest students have better understanding of the relationship between basic and clinical science and are receptive to the new…

This paper explores teaching strategies for communicating complex issues and ideas to a diverse group of students, with different educational and vocational interests, that encourage them to develop critical thinking, and explores pedagogies appropriate to the multidisciplinary field of Aboriginal studies. These issues will be investigated through…

As part of her Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education course, Verushka Taylor was asked to imagine how issues the Social Contexts of Secondary Education class was reading about and discussing impact upon the work of teachers. To that end, students were asked to think deeply about one of the topics addressed in the semester, and to frame a…

The purpose of this paper is threefold. Firstly, it will review the theories and practice of on-line learning and the need for new roles in the development of new media delivery systems. Secondly, the current status of university teachers will be analyzed within the context of the new roles. And thirdly, new roles for teachers and course designers…

This study examined the use of science professors acting as mentors to enhance the science competency of early childhood educators. Findings indicate that mentor-mentee dyad interactions varied; however, mentors were able to assist with curriculum, science content, and resources. Although standards-based units were developed, there was little…

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Talking 'bout Evolution: High School Science Teachers Share Strategies for Dealing with Controversy in the Classroom (Nancy Walser); (2) Standards-Based…

The Theatre Arts Standards of Learning identify the essential content and skills required in the theatre arts curriculum for the middle school and core high school courses in Virginia's public schools. The standards are designed to be cumulative and progress in complexity by course from the middle school through the secondary level. Throughout…

This study focuses on the impact of the political situation in Northern Ireland and geography teaching in schools. Student teachers on the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) Geography Course at the University of Ulster (UU) conducted discussions within their geography departments whilst on teaching practice and reported the outcomes to…