Explains the motives behind the production of educational materials based on interactive methodologies (role-playing) and to present it to inservice teachers during updating courses. Observations of the didactic effect of the proposals and on the importance of encouraging a change in the teachers' way of thinking are presented. (LZ/Author)

Legal and educational aspects of the debate over religious expression entering the college classroom are examined, particularly as they relate to inclusion of creationism into science instruction. It is concluded that the central question is not whether creationism is religious, but whether it is true, and that truth benefits from open debate over…

Describes and discusses an epistemological approach to the education of science teachers that emphasizes similarities in knowledge and modes of acquiring knowledge among children, scientists in their historical contexts, and student teachers. (ZWH)

Reflects on the teaching of college courses that examine multicultural issues. Suggests that tensions and emotions over controversial topics are heightened in the classroom by the physical presence of discussion participants. Proposes various ways that teachers can defuse potential conflicts and make classroom discussion of multicultural topics…

Interviews with 11 white and black faculty members in 4 social work schools examined strategies used to ease personal discomfort when teaching about racial oppression, extent to which content and terminology about racial oppression were used, student attitudes, and reactions of other faculty and administrators. (SV)

Provides lists of historical works dealing with the Columbian quincentenary. Includes publications about Christopher Columbus, the Mediterranean in the late fifteenth century, the spirit of exploration of the period, pre-Columbian America and its societies, and the impact of European contact with America. Urges a broad teaching approach to…

Presents results of a study of school administrators to determine support for the responsibility of social studies teachers to deal with controversial issues. Examines the influence of administrators on teacher decisions. Concludes that expressed support for dealing with controversial issues and critical thinking may appear more substantive than…

In the current conservative climate of higher education, questioning students' political beliefs is imperative for a real democratization of knowledge. Oppositional pedagogy pressures the assumptions of the existing system--the dominant knowledges and institutional and social arrangements derived from them--and enables students to change their…

Describes a class project involving citation verification generated by a student's skepticism of the accuracy of a text. Emphasizes the importance of spontaneity and student interest in the success of such a project. Urges teachers to be alert for a spontaneous, student generated challenge to the credibility of texts in use. (DK)

Presents a unit on evolution and creation theories in which students explore the legal issues surrounding the teaching of evolution and creation in biology. Students write preliminary essays, study conflict resolution techniques, and conduct a moot trial of the Scopes case of 1925. A course outline is provided. (MDH)

The "hot potato technique" (HPT) is described as an effective way to engage high school English-language students in class discussions. HPT involves using newspapers and magazines to stimulate participation. (LB)

Jewish history and the dynamics of anti-Semitism should be incorporated into social work curricula, and students should explore their own ethnic identities and religious backgrounds. This self-exploration enables them to be open to new information and aware of misinformation. Role playing can help students practice responses to incidents of bias.…

Argues that statistical literacy is a necessary component of a complete college education and important in combating growing innumeracy in American society, and describes a general education course at the University of Louisville (Kentucky) that includes it. Instruction focuses on societal issues, sometimes controversial, for which an…

Observes that slavery remains an uncomfortable subject and is generally perceived as strictly part of "black history." Argues that slavery must be seen as an American story that has strongly impacted the country's development. Reviews four books that provide insight into aspects of slavery and debates around it. (DSK)

Recommends that teachers combine multicultural education with an inquiry-based approach to social studies to help students critically examine society. Addresses the different obstacles when adopting this approach and offers an example of the inquiry method at work. Identifies 12 essential questions and controversial issues to use in classroom…