Discusses the use of classroom debate as a teaching resource which generates argumentation and, hence, new ideas. Advocates the use of debate to increase student involvement and commitment to a topic. Describes case construction, debate protocol, and student evaluation procedures. (GEA)

Discusses "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools" (Tennessee), a case involving a controversial reading textbook offending fundamentalist parents of six middle school children. The Court of Appeals reversed a district court ruling, holding that uniform use of the Holt textbook was not essential to the state's goals to teach reading.…

Educators are increasingly responsible for teaching students about the deadly AIDS virus. This article discusses curricular approaches for certain age groups, summarizes progress in various communities, and provides blunt facts for decision-makers, an AIDS resource list with addresses, and an urgent plea from the Center for Disease Control. (MLH)

This study examined 12th-grade biology students' opinions and beliefs on the desirability of the use and/or development of various biotechnologies. Describes the development of and presents results from the three questionnaires employed in the study. Includes a listing of the 15 biotechnology topics investigated in the study. (ML)

This is the report of an ad hoc committee on global education appointed by the National Council for the Social Studies. The report details the charges against global education raised by United States government critics, examines issues underlying global education curricula, and draws implications for social studies. Concludes with recommendations…

Recommends and offers methods for teaching decision making skills to developing adolescents using controversial topics pertinent to their stage in life. (SRT)

Examines literature from several fields that supports the four roles teachers may take during the discussion of controversial issues: exclusive neutrality, exclusive partiality, neutral impartiality, and committed impartiality. Maintains that committed impartiality is the most defensible teacher role. (Author/JDH)

One's conceptions define what is worth learning about war and peace and why. Educators must make important choices of content. Three conceptions of peace education are discussed: those that focus on information, those that center on issues, and those dealing with attitudes. (RM)

Rather than just becoming a source of intense frustration and a symbol of America's supposed weakness of will, the Iranian hostage crisis could have led to greater interest in a culture different than students' own, American foreign policy and how it is achieved, world religions, and media coverage of crises. (Author/RM)

A fundamental aid in maintaining equilibrium is establishing a policy of providing the opportunity for the study of controversial issues, rather than teaching the issues per se. Other tips for managing controversy include anticipating controversy and criticism and establishing procedures for processing issues. (MJL)

Academic freedom has been denied to religion professors wishing to broach controversial issues in the college classroom. The American Association of University Professors' 1940 statement perpetuates that discrimination and should be repudiated. (MSE)

Provides suggestions on how science teachers can, and should, deal with the nuclear weapons debate in a balanced and critical way. Includes a table outlining points for and against deterrence and disarmament. (JN)

As the United States enters the 21st century, the rich diversity of its people may be its greatest promise and its greatest challenge. The country still struggles with a legacy of racial discrimination and ethnic disparity, even if their forms are subtler today. This book is designed to promote public deliberation that can help individuals find…

This book is intended to assist teachers in dealing with sensitive and controversial topics in secondary U.S. history classes. The book explores topics such as gender, race, Vietnam, and civil rights. It provides specific lessons teachers can use to study conflict. All manner of resources are explained, with an emphasis on how to access those…

Instead of ignoring the controversial issues that emerge from discussions of gender, race, and sexuality, the author of this book addresses these issues head-on through the literature and writing he assigns. The book is about creating opportunities in the English classroom for students to become thoughtful, committed citizens. It is about…