Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…

This study examines the effects of school contexts, individual differences, and motivational goals and benefits on current events knowledge. A review of the literature focuses on motivation study of goal theory and self-efficacy. The sample includes 798 students from nine high schools (grades 9-12) in diverse geographical locations and of various…

An emerging focus on pre-college education in the 1980s is the interaction of science and technology in terms of their combined interrelationships with society. The characterizations of the science/technology/society (S/T/S) theme, as advanced by science educators, social studies educators, and environmental educators, exhibit similarities. It is…

Educators from over 30 countries judged the suitability of incidents in moral education in the context of their native environment. Participants were 54 secondary school principals or teachers, most of whom were graduate students or married to graduate students at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They were given descriptions of 23…

Part of a series which offers educational resources and teaching techniques related to major social issues to high school social studies classroom teachers, the guide focuses on political and economic aspects of tax policy in the United States. The document is presented in three major chapters. Chapter I explores how economic and political science…

Describes how nuclear education has evolved into nuclear age education in an attempt to prepare young people to respond responsibly to world problems. Explains how positive and preventive emphases toward social issues have helped the growing acceptance of nuclear age and peace education. Discusses some remaining problems. (RT)

Reports on a study that focused on the psychological impact of nuclear education curriculum on middle school students. Concluded that instruction about nuclear issues rarely increases students' fear or worry about nuclear war. (RT)

This document, which was developed to assist individuals working in publicly sponsored literacy programs in Georgia, offers instructional plans and practical strategies designed to help teachers help students of adult literacy, adult basic education, General Educational Development, and English as a second language understand complex social…

This reader is one of several supplementary materials for a 15-week newspaper course about crime and justice, mainly in the United States. Six units contain 67 readings from primary sources such as journal articles, monographs, personal interviews, published letters, and government reports. The readings present personal experiences, research…

Given the general recognition that what we do is influenced as much or more by our value commitments as by our factual knowledge, it is ironic that social studies, the area of the curriculum supposedly focused on citizenship education, has paid so little attention to values. There are many reasons for this, but one of them, the author believes, is…

This student text and teacher's guide feature current events and policy issues that are in discussion today. The books offer background on important domestic and foreign policy issues and present arguments from both sides of key issues. The books are divided into three sections. Section 1, "The Federal Government," contains: (1) "The Clinton…

Maintains that most high school social studies instruction emphasizes coverage and memorization of fragmented information. Presents a definition of in-depth study and describes its implementation in an issues-centered classroom. Provides suggestions and caveats for instituting issues-oriented instruction. (CFR)

Distinguishes weak forms of critical thinking (restricted to logical thinking) from strong forms of critical pedagogy (incorporating a moral component into critical thinking). Sees evidence of weak forms in the 1987 California History-Social Science Framework. Contends that social studies must be interdisciplinary, global in perspective,…

Case studies of ethical issues based on real events are followed by comments illustrating how people from various ethical traditions and frameworks and from different academic and professional disciplines analyze the issues and work toward a resolution of the conflict posed. The cases are intended to help the public and professional persons pursue…

The basic arrangement and purpose of this second volume and accompanying teachers manual are identical to Volume 1, SO 001 252. Presented here are seven additional issues for readers to consider: 1) the American way of life; 2) values in American society; 3) hippies; 4) religion, society, and the individual; 5) Chinese American relations; 6) the…