Writers in this journal have presented a number of strategies that sociology teachers can use to facilitate the expression--and serious analysis--of unpopular opinions. This article contributes to this dialog by illustrating the application of a Bill of Rights learning module. In this module, students are expected to create a document that…

A teacher in the high school drama club recounts the experience of producing a controversial play about teenagers, "Sometimes I Wake Up in the Middle of the Night." Reports initial apprehensions and eventual satisfaction of actors, the drama coach, and audience members. (JG)

Describes how seminar work can be structured to help students develop skills of critical thinking and expression when discussing controversial issues in their chosen subject. Particular emphasis is given to methods of organizing instructional materials and appropriate roles for seminar leaders. The debate surrounding the existence of a prehistoric…

Explains how diagrams can help journalism students understand complicated media law issues. Gives examples relating to libel and privacy. (FL)

Discusses four fundamental issues of the "creation-science" and evolution debate: the prevalence of creation myths, an assumed scientific world view, public schools as moral supremacy battlegrounds, and the general population's scientific and religious illiteracy. Calls for free inquiry into the nature of the world's religious traditions and…

Suggests ways for Catholic educators to teach about evolution; e.g., present evolution as widely accepted; note wide belief in God's creation of the world; do not present science and faith as mutually exclusive; present evolution as theory; and present both the evidence supporting and the problems accompanying evolutionary theory. (DMM)

This paper addresses the effects of the controversies involved in one state's decision to exclude the study of evolution from its science curriculum and to require equal time for creationism as an alternative theory. Curricula and textbooks are examined for the impacts of evolutionary and creationist controversies. The controversy is discussed…

Examines several generalizations concerning political terrorism that have been inferred from research and suggests methods and materials social studies teachers can use to teach a basic understanding of terrorism. (FL)

Discusses three controversial ideas in education: Dewey's concept of education as continuous experience; Freire's concept of praxis as a pedagogy of freedom; and Maxine Greene's concern with autonomy and choice. Describes how teachers and education in general could benefit from the integration of these ideas into the teacher education curriculum.…

Examines the various perspectives held by the three major organizations involved (an environmental citizens group, a local sportsmen's club, and the cooperative extension service) regarding a conflict over a 4-H program involving hunting and wildlife management. Discusses why the 4-H program's attempt to build consensus among the organizations was…

A high school history teacher explains how he tries to make history interesting for his students by suggesting that American history is full of great stories. Talks specifically about teaching about Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with Sally Hemings. Presents a rationale for addressing controversial issues in history instruction. (JOW)

Very little is known about the processes whereby people encounter and assimilate knowledge about the environmental crisis. The author raises observations and reflections on people's responses to this kind of knowledge. (Author/JOW)

Reviews the philosophical controversy concerning naturalism, and investigates the role it might play in the science classroom. Argues that science students can benefit from explicit study of this controversy and from explicit consideration of the extent to which philosophy of science can be studied naturalistically. (PR)

Telephone interviews with 390 of 400 college students revealed an overall favorable impression of food safety and agriculture's impact on the economy and environment. Males were more positive about animal welfare and production agriculture. Gender, college major, and hometown were related to attitudes about agriculture issues. (SK)