Discusses research on political tolerance, noting that traditional civics curricula do little to promote tolerance, and that tolerance for diverse beliefs must be learned. The paper describes the development and teaching of a four-week curriculum for tolerance and reflects on the need for educators to foster greater tolerance among young people.…

Asserts that social studies teachers must combine individual rights and responsibilities when teaching citizenship. Contends democracy depends on citizenship literacy, or citizens who understand their First Amendment rights as well as their obligations. Stresses the importance of teaching students to think critically about their role as citizens.…

Explains the goals and assumptions of the Political Education Project of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. Gives an example of the stories developed by the project teams as a means by which students are introduced to political realities in interesting ways. Reports two studies supporting the approach. (KO)

Presents a basis of a history framework for program development in civics in Canadian schools. Identifies elements of government that are associated with civics and selects historical events through which to study these elements. Discusses the history of thought, history as a science, constitutional history, the government, leaders, and national…

Presents a sampling of the citations in the ERIC database dealing with democratic participation. Includes works on citizenship, teaching about democracy, citizens' roles, civic education in the schools, sources for materials, and the proper role of schools in preparing students for active citizenship. (DK)

Asserts that, although active citizenship is heralded as the goal of social studies, few textbook studies have attempted to define or examine civic participation. Reports on a study of the treatment of citizenship in four widely used third-grade textbooks. Finds that, although the texts are largely supportive of mainstream political values, they…

Supplements a previous article by the author on the National Teachers' Training Convention in the Philippines. Presents a lesson plan for comparing the voting forms and procedures of the Philippines with the United States. Includes a reproduction of a Philippine voter registration form for use with the lesson. (DSK)

Discusses challenges to using the Internet in teaching and tests various approaches to integrating student Internet research into a civics class. Discusses criteria for using the Internet, training students to use it, and Web-site selection. Invites readers to draw their own conclusions about the utility of Internet research. (DSK)

Presents a lesson plan to help students explore the rights of free expression and privacy, copyright laws, and forms of Internet communication; asks students to evaluate possible uses of the Internet based on these explorations. Includes a background statement, list of objectives, outline of procedures, and a student handout. (DSK)

Asserts that the social studies classroom is ideal for the development of students' civic decision-making skills explaining that decision making must include elements of group interaction and creative expression. Describes traditional decision-making models and decision making as a process and performance. Addresses group interaction, cooperative…

Presents a lesson plan that introduces students to the tort system of law and the responsibilities of the civil jury. The lesson involves student research and a mock jury trial establishing legal responsibility for a fatal automobile accident. Includes a list of objectives, classroom procedures, and handouts on jury deliberations. (MJP)

Argues that the documentary history of the Congress offers a compelling source of primary materials for the classroom. Discusses two types of frequently overlooked documents, petitions to Congress from ordinary citizens and political cartoons by Clifford Berryman, and aspects of United States' history illustrated by them. (DSK)

Argues that the obstacle to the revitalization of civic education in academic political science is the view that research and publication deliver professional advancement and recognition while engaging in civic education does not. Reviews the reflections of several American Political Science Association (APSA) committees on instruction. Provides…

Provides an overview of policies concerning civics education in Japan during the 50 years following World War II. Summarizes the problems in civics education, focusing on textbooks, teaching styles, and the marginalization of civics in the curriculum. Considers the future of Japanese civics education. (CMK)

Provides background on civic education in Taiwan and highlights the factors that affect civic education. Summarizes (1) the 1975 and 1983 prescribed civic education-related subjects and (2) the compulsory subjects specified in the 1990s revised curriculum guidelines. Considers the changes and problems in civic education and offers suggestions for…