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.…

Argues that effective sociology courses should point to a central contradiction of a social problem or institution. Contends that organizations and organizational theory are prime choices for this role. Concludes that changes in the way work is designed and managed result in more creativity and productivity. (CFR)

According to responses from 157 of 218 higher education institutions, 122 offer human resources development/training degree programs, the majority master's. The average core credit hour requirement ranged from 20-28 hours; 90% offered internships, half required them. A 30-hour core master's curriculum resulted from the findings. (SK)

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…

Studied the credibility of six male professors through the attitudes of 28 students, exploring differences in black and white students' ideas about credibility. Students revealed that the credibility of black teachers was more likely to be questioned, depending in part on the subject matter they taught. (SLD)

Discusses the development and implementation of two case studies based on local chemical industries for the Israeli high school chemistry curriculum. Also includes two types of professional-development experiences. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

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…

Reports college students' perceptions of service learning, noting that it helps them learn course content, and heightens their sense of citizenship, with the course-content effect intensified for "repeat" service-learning participants. Shows students evenly split as to whether service activities made them more motivated to attend class and to…

Describes seven topics that should be included in a course for teachers on performance assessment and provides some ideas for teaching them. The topics range from assessment selection to recognizing inappropriate, unethical, or illegal assessment methods and uses. (SLD)

Describes an online interpersonal-skills course, including a guide to Web self-assessment instruments, assignments using online tools, interactive and reflective activities, and teaching and implementation issues. (SK)

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)

Employs a survey of institutions accredited through the National Association of Schools of Music to determine the purpose, format, and content of courses available to undergraduate elementary education majors. Finds greater agreement among instructors of fundamentals courses than among instructors of methods or combined courses. (DSK)

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)