Describes high school social studies student projects involving a study of local cemeteries. Projects include charting life expectancies, creating slide shows of community grave sites, and collecting tombstone rubbings. (KC)

Examines four values (one's own life, high quality of life, compassion, justice) which form the core of a proposed value structure for a sustainable society. Also discusses instrumental values that fulfill these core values and why a society organized according to the proposed structure would be more sustainable. (JN)

Examined how autonomy and decision-making manifest themselves in 36 retirement communities in Arizona, California, Florida, and New Jersey. Results indicated that most residents let others make decisions. Autonomy was basically latent, with residents wanting the possibility of decision-making when crisis arises or community stability is…

Discusses three aspects of Philippine culture that affect teaching and learning: (1) social structure; (2) language; and (3) values. Findings from cognitive growth research with Filipino children and adolescents are examined to identify ways of overcoming some sources of difficulties in these areas. (Author/JN)

In Marxist geography the relations that geography has traditionally analyzed--natural environment and spatial relations--are reviewed as outcomes of the mode of material production. To understand geographical relations, the social structure must also be examined. Marxist geography attempts to change the basic structure of society. (RM)

This response to Drash et al. discusses these issues: the historical context of total habilitation of the retarded; the need for a clear conceptualization of intelligence and social adaptation; and the obstacles of society, the profession, attitudes, and the human service structure to the intensive pedagogic matrix required for total habilitation.…

Describes the evolution of feminist critical theory from a study of individuals' roles to the study of the interplay between gender relations and the institutional contexts within which they take shape. Surveys the writing of feminist theorists covering institutions, decision-making processes, cultural symbols, and everyday practices. (DK)

Illustrates the use of collaborative learning groups (CLGs) to help student learning. Finds that students did better on test material that was discussed in group sessions; that connections to classmates increased significantly; and that the great majority of students lauded the use of CLGs. (DB)

Describes a general systems evolutionary model and demonstrates how a previously established ecological model is a function of its past development based on the evolution of the rock, nutrient, and water cycles. Discusses the applications of the model in environmental education. (MDH)

Teachers and principals have a lot of power, but the power of teachers is different as the students over which they have power are more vulnerable. Teachers should acknowledge their power and the opportunities they have been given to open doors for children. (MD)

Reports on three studies of playground fighting among elementary and middle school age students in Great Britain. Finds that the most common cause of fights were disputes over some aspect of a rule-governed game; teasing; retaliation to an accidental injury; and, to a lesser extent, disputes over space. (CFR)

Maintains that, because definitions of justice are elusive, students should study the differences between the traditional Western concept of justice and the more recent Critical Legal Studies view. Presents a secondary-level lesson comparing these two conceptualizations of justice. (CFR)

Discusses the cultural and philosophical influences that resulted in the establishment of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece. Examines the ancient Greek ideals of health, beauty, and intellect. Includes a table listing the dates of added competitions (boxing, pentathlon) to the contest. (MJP)

Describes a technique to teach students about U.S. society that involves: assigning each person an imaginary occupation and family statistics. Students attend a mock 20-year high school class reunion. The class discussion that follows this activity explores group dynamics and social patterns that evolve along class lines. (GG)

Examines Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward" as the most popular U.S. utopian novel, and a major expander of the ideology of progress through technology. Provides an explanation for the book's popularity, and compares it to other utopian novels. Warns against using "Looking Backward" as a substitute for full-scale historical…