The social studies curriculum travels through time and space and is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. To an outsider, the social studies curriculum is a single line on a program of studies, 45 minutes of a student's school day. Those on the inside, however, know that the field covers history, geography, civics, economics, and much…

In light of the U.S. Senate's designation of March 15, 2016 as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" (S. Res. 398, 2016), it only seems fitting that "Communication Education" devote a special section to the role of speech and debate in civic education. Speech and debate have been at the heart of the communication…

This study investigated the disciplinary knowledge and nature of expertise among political science experts studying American political science. A comparison group of students who had completed an introductory undergraduate course in American political science also participated in the study. Numerous research studies have found that civics and…

A sequential series of four fifteen minute classroom television programs provide a drama whereby students can identify with a candidate's problems of getting elected to political office. Major purposes of the overall program are: 1) to make students aware of electoral processes in a democracy; 2) to emphasize the importance of each individual's…

The project's activities during the past year to develop a process for analysis of the working of pressure groups in the political decision-making process are discussed in this report. In addition, information is given on the organization and developmental processes which the team used in the formulation and adaption of a unit. In the first part…

This project's study of pressure groups in Canadian urban government proposes the development of an interdisciplinary social science cirriculum for the secondary school student in grades 9 through 12 which would give meaningful perspective toward the various decision-making structures and processes. Other major objectives are: 1) to enable the…

The student textbook describes voter registration, nominations, political campaigns, and elections in Georgia. It also shows how young citizens can participate in politics to solve problems which affect them directly. Although the textbook tells a fictional story about students within a city, the issues and information presented are truthful…

Maintains traditional grading techniques can be a form of authentic assessment. Discusses three aspects of authentic assessment: (1) interdisciplinary problem-solving; (2) grading process as well as the product; and (3) developing a grading rubric to be shared with students. (CFR)

This publication, revised in 1968, was prepared to inform teachers and principals in the school system of the total social studies program. The program guide contains statements of general educational philosophy and objectives as well as basic principles of the social studies curriculum. Specific goals regarding academic knowledge, skills and…

The curriculum material the Nanaimo District Senior High School curriculum development project is designing is based on the City of Nanaimo and its environs. The problem selected for their substantive research is the socio-political process in a growing city including the role and impact of: 1) civil service, elected officials, voters, and…

Outlines three lesson plans designed to increase students' knowledge of candidates, public policy issues, and social responsibility as well as develop problem-solving skills. Different sets of activities address the issues of politicians vs. leaders; the relationship among politics, power, and conflict; identifying and prioritizing issues in an…

The student textbook and the teacher's manual focus on the services, organization, and funding of county government in Georgia. Designed to be used over a three to six week period, the textbook is arranged into six chapters. Chapter one discusses county government, its services, and its structure. Chapter two focuses on county officials and their…

This paper analyzes a study designed to determine if students understand the concept of democracy and can apply democratic principles. It also compares the study with related investigations conducted in Europe and calls for improved teaching to make the concept of democracy comprehensible. In 1974, 1,000 high school seniors in Pennsylvania…