Discusses using open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for teaching sociology courses. Suggests that the meetings provide excellent case studies and can exemplify a variety of topics. Stresses that three conditions must be present: (1) easy access to meetings and high student interest; (2) meeting experience is integrated into course; and (3) student…

A prospectus and practical guide, this manual shows college teachers how to help students better understand social problems by comparing sociology with two other types of social knowledge (common sense and journalism) and cultivate critical thinking skills which transcend the three types of social knowledge. Chapter 1 proposes a teaching/learning…

Students can learn about the elderly by surveying themselves about their knowledge and attitudes; interviewing elderly people; analyzing cartoons depicting the elderly in our society; investigating volunteer opportunities for people over 65; working in nursing homes; and finding out about associations of elderly people. (AV)

This book presents summaries and activities associated with 15 books to read with kindergarten through second graders that explore social issues central to their lives. Thematic topics include the give and take of friendship; bullies, pests, and teasing; isolation and reaching out across generations; families; and working together. It features…

Describes a social studies unit for teaching high school students about energy. Entitled "Energy Tradeoffs in the Marketplace," the unit focuses on economic aspects of energy, economic-related educational games, social decision making with regard to energy, and social studies skill development. (DB)

A guide to music and its use in secondary classes to explore social change and the future also offers individualized discussion questions, potential classroom resource people, popular songs and reading resources for the teachers -- all categorized in 10 future-oriented themes. (JR)

Describes a college-level simulation game about the French Revolution. Based on George Lefebvre's "The Coming of the French Revolution," the role-play focuses on social and economic causes of the revolution and allows students to understand citizens' grievances against the French government. (AV)

The purpose of this article is to use the vehicle of a controversial issue--abortion--as a means of illustrating the advantages of teaching such issues through a problem-solving method. Discussion ideas and resources are presented. (Author/JR)

Discusses the use of melodrama as a method of historical research that provides students with an opportunity to study historical events and themes. Presents an activity based on the civil rights movement. Includes an example and handouts for creating a melodrama in class. (DK)

Argues that the behavioral or "human" sciences are fundamentally different in scope and intent from the natural sciences. Describes the use of controversial topics in undergraduate courses and provides a four-step process. Recommends using Karl Popper's falsification theory to help students think critically about issues. (CFR)

A 3-section handbook provides secondary school teachers with concrete suggestions on how to use the newspaper to promote a constructive, participatory citizenry. Materials and lessons can be easily integrated into either language arts or social studies courses on history, government, law, American problems, or current events. The lessons can also…

This document offers a perspective on the use of computers in education to assist California educators with the design and implementation of educational activities that encourage the effective and creative use of computers and computer software throughout the school curriculum. It is organized in six strands, each identifying a basic core of…

Social problem solving was taught to four groups of third and fourth graders: (1) control; (2) video modeling tapes; (3) tapes plus discussion; and (4) tapes plus role playing. Significant treatment effects were revealed on problem solving thinking, group interaction, and locus of control. (Author/GDC)

Outlines a lesson guide to enhance the empathy of students toward South Asians who are victims of discrimination. It is most useful as part of a unit on World War II. Activities include short readings with reaction statements which students respond to, and examples of acts of bravery by the East Indian Army during World War II. (KC)

This document contains the Guidelines for Teaching Science-Related Social Issues adopted in 1982 by the National Council for the Social Studies and 10 examplar lessons each keyed to particular guidelines and drawing upon contemporary issues. The premise upon which the guidelines are based is that science is a social issue and that the examination…