In this article, the author states his belief that community based learning among adults can be a powerful force for encouraging personal development and for strengthening democracy in this multicultural, globally interdependent, battered world. To do so, however, it needs to pervade all the curricula, degree programs, learning contracts, and…

The purpose of this essay is to show a way that college students can be brought to understand that it is in their interest to be good citizens of a good regime. Aristotle's formulations of distributive justice as they appear in his "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Politics" are used in the discussion. (RM)

This article discusses the National Issues Forum (NIF), a national, nonpartisan program designed to encourage citizen discussion of important public issues. The programs try to recreate the town meeting concept of reaching consensus on public issues. Short workbooks are available on two reading levels for issues such as the superpowers, crime,…

Students need to learn about the real-world issues our nation faces. They need to understand how concerned individuals gather information, consider opposing opinions, come to conclusions, and act on their beliefs. Background information, resources, and classroom activities are provided to help students understand the importance of voting. (DF)

Discusses the National Council for the Social Studies "Guidelines for Teaching Science-Related Social Issues." Suggests that only through appropriate citizen action and participation can technology and science be contained and directed. Suggests a teaching unit exploring the topic of science, technology, and society. (DK)

This volume on political participation and voting is designed to provide teachers with useful classroom information and materials. Students are offered: (1) the information they want and need about voter registration, voting procedures, and the political process; (2) direct involvement ideas, either in real-world campaigns and elections or…

The historic events of 1989 changed the political map of the world. Students and workers in China rose up to demand democracy. Democracy bloomed in Chile, Brazil, and other Latin American countries where freely elected governments replaced repressive rulers. Communist dictatorships in Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Rumania were…

Shows teachers how to help students use letter writing as a constructive means of sending a personal message to political figures in Washington. (EL)

This resource book for local government officials, teachers, and civic leaders is designed to aid in the production of materials and the establishment of programs to educate young people about the role local government plays in their lives. Practical guidelines outline the steps that need to be taken to initiate a successful program, including…

Proposes teaching political philosophy utilizing a model of Socratic discussion. Describes the use of Socratic discourse in a course entitled Contemporary Political Thought. Divides the course into three components: "the man on the street" analysis of issues; the use of social science literature; and philosophical readings on the issues.…

Examines the role of U.S. history in preparing students for civic participation. Points out that students lack knowledge of history, politics, and international affairs, and express cynicism about democratic values. Suggests a humanized and intimate curriculum in which students are brought more in touch with the historical struggles of common…

The authors discuss (1) the meaning of citizen participation and the types of roles and skills that can be taught in classrooms; (2) how textbooks and other social studies materials teach participant roles; and (3) a sample lesson for teaching participation skills. (AV)

This article examines a decision-making strategy called mixed scanning which can be used to teach social participation in elementary and secondary social studies. The strategy requires logical gathering and analyzing of information, judging the alternatives, making choices, and planning a course of action. The article outlines environmental…

A conception of citizen decision making based on participatory democratic theory is most likely to foster effective citizenship. An examination of social studies traditions suggests that reflective thinking as a teaching method is congenial to this conception. Simulation gaming is a potentially powerful instructional strategy for supporting…

This research involves case studies of four public high school teachers handling and modeling the problem of inclusion in their social studies classrooms. In interpreting and implementing social studies curriculum, teachers represent to their students particular images of citizenship, leadership, and the political system in which these are…