An approach to teaching university-level environmental education that uses structured controversy to challenge and enhance students' conceptions of environmental issues is described. Students are confronted with alternative viewpoints and evidence and engage in peer discussion to formulate their own position, understand other viewpoints, see the…

Provides insights on the controversial issue of animal rights. Four factors are considered: (1) animals' rights; (2) research; (3) hunting and fishing; and (4) agriculture. Contends that it is imperative that the public knows all the facts before casting their vote on the issue. (ZWH)

A male student in a California State University-Sacramento psychology lecture on female masturbation has filed a sexual harassment complaint, claiming the lecture violated institutional policy by creating an intimidating, hostile, and offensive learning environment. He felt the lecture was inappropriately graphic and political in intent. (MSE)

Peaceful, systemic, educational reform may be achieved by clearly articulating and responding to differences of opinion in four conflict areas: safe passage for traditionalist Christian students, opt-in policies for controversial course materials, parents' rights, and child-centered curricula. Authentic assessment based on community values…

A professor of sociology and anthropology chronicles the development of a course in environmental problems, beginning with inquiry into the issues and culminating in design of a course focused on research and discussion rather than lectures. Students responded positively to the exploration of multiple perspectives, particularly those at the…

Urban African American elementary school students (n=128) were asked to compare the memorization of noncontroversial information with the learning and discussion of information designed to help students develop personal stances on controversial matters. Older students, more than younger students, saw collaborative inquiry as fair and likely to…

Addresses the importance of teaching young people about foreign policy issues. Discusses state sovereignty and interpersonal and international conflict. Describes a reflective teaching approach in which a problem is identified, defined, and explored by probing questions. Suggests identifying value assumptions and alternatives, predicting…

Warns against the new model emerging for first-year writing programs that puts dogma before diversity, politics before craft, ideology before critical thinking, and the social goals of the teacher before the educational needs of the student. Discusses how this model came about, the threat it poses to first-year courses, and new possibilities for…

Details some of the current critical arguments concerning Mark Twain's depiction of the runaway slave Jim in the novel "Huckleberry Finn." Describes classroom experiences teaching the novel and how a reader's cultural background influences reactions to it. Provides principles and caveats for teaching the novel. Lists works about slavery…

Describes a social studies teacher's efforts to help junior high students deal with perceived problems of sexual harassment in the classroom. With a social worker's assistance, students learned to recognize personal and gender power issues and to distinguish between flirtatious behavior and genuine harassment (MLH)

Describes the teaching methods and philosophies of three innovative experiential teachers in Boulder, Colorado, who have (1) encouraged classroom debate on controversial topics; (2) encouraged global environmental awareness in junior high science students; and (3) created a truly bicultural, bilingual classroom for primary Anglo and Hispanic…

The purpose of this article is to provide guidance and perspective on the treatment of values and ethics in the classroom in a nondirective, nonauthoritarian way. Discussed are biological advances that have societal consequences, values systems and moral dilemmas, ethical principles, major moral dilemmas, and ethical analysis. (CW)

Teachers can seize "teachable moments" to impart knowledge, challenge false assumptions, and encourage thoughtfulness about sex-related behaviors. English and social studies teachers have countless opportunities to address adolescent sexuality issues. Once educators accept responsibility for educating children to survive in a sexually exploitative…

Examines the impact of mining the dunes in Natal's Saint Lucia Park on the wetlands and lake to the west of the dunes. Discusses mining companies campaign to receive rights to mine, government neglect, and public education and opinion concerning the controversy. (MDH)

Discusses the controversy over whether sport teams should use Native American logos, mascots, or native symbols. Suggests that by implementing role-reversal techniques (putting the nonnative people in the same place) uncaring sports fans may recognize the disrespect involved; offers a hypothetical newspaper article that illustrates the…