Addresses the teaching of world problems to elementary students. Suggests that children already are aware of world problems and the effects on their own lives. Discusses the use of group discussions, role play, and thematic resource folders to help children develop problem-solving skills for dealing with global issues and problems in their own…

Lists selected resources for issues centered education. Includes books about methods for issues centered education, reference and student materials for middle and high school students, and tradebooks for elementary classrooms. Lists criteria for the selection of materials that were included (presentation of alternative view, accuracy, and…

Discusses students' resistance to a cross-listed women's studies/composition course taught by an inexperienced teacher. Notes that most of the writing assignments became disconnected from the class itself and that teaching writing got lost in the emotional shuffle of the class. Suggests that student resistance should not stop writing teachers from…

Discussed is the breakdown between researcher and researched in controversies that involve matters of public policy. Presented are three case studies that show how social analysts do become involved in the controversies they are investigating. The implications of this process for theory and practice are addressed. (KR)

Presents a number of class activities and methods for the writing classroom that center on how students experience violence and what they think about it. Shows how the teacher can help students be heard, help them identify forms of violence, and personalize violence. Leads to asking students to design a plan of action to undercut violence. (HB)

Reviewed is the debate over research and approval of the use of this drug in the United States. Potential benefits and side effects of the drug are discussed. The points of view of several government officials, scientists, and social activists are presented. (CW)

Focuses on the moral arguments for and against the controversial topic of voluntary active euthanasia. Discusses the question of legalization and decriminalization of the practice. Provides a student worksheet with questions to stimulate discussion on the issue. (MDH)

County agricultural agents (n=258) viewed the "What's the Beef/Here's the Beef" videos, which present contrasting viewpoints on animal rights. Results suggest that well-educated people who have emotional underpinnings on a controversial issue can have their attitudes moderated by exposure to an educational program. (JOW)

Study of classroom dynamics surrounding discussion of controversial issues in middle schools and the complexity of teacher-student interactions shows that heated and difficult debate about emotionally charged issues can be constructive. Students appear more resilient and able to handle disagreement, skills they will need in a democratic society.…

Many educators, parents, and students are upset with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse's rejection of some high school graduates' acceptable coursework. The NCAA should stop trying to dictate high school course content, increase scrutiny of its members, tighten academic requirements for on-campus…

Reports on a study in which upper-level elementary education majors (n=37) at an urban university participated in a cooperative controversy lesson. Concludes that before the cooperative controversy lesson, 73% of the students felt that the nature of science was fact-based. After participating in the cooperative controversy exercise, 60% of the…

Presents information about a course on hate crimes and discusses awareness changes that occur in students. Describes the process by which students confront and understand the subject matter and its relation to real-world problems. Highlights ways the course incorporates contributions, expertise, and perspectives of groups historically excluded…

Discusses strategies for teaching controversial topics through an examination of the cultural and political geographic concept of iconography using as an example the recent debates over flying the Confederate flag this decade in the American South. Conveys that there is not a conclusive model or solution to teaching controversial topics. (CMK)

Defends the practice of introducing elementary school children to stories dealing with complex social problems and issues. Claims schools should not be disconnected from children's everyday experiences, and teachers should not underestimate the capacity of children to understand and deal with this type of material. (NH)

A student was disqualified from running for a high school office because he had used "The Safe Choice" as his campaign motto and handed out condoms with that slogan. Argues that the court in "Henerey" overlooks the test in "Tinker" that expressing opinions on controversial subjects is acceptable as long as the speech…