Questions of technology and change are explored in approximately 70 essays written by university and research scholars, consumer advocates, political philosophers, engineers, and bureaucrats. The book is part of a multimedia series developed to present college level course material to the general public through cooperation of newspapers, public…

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 government regulation. The document is presented in four major chapters. Chapter I explores how economic and political science frameworks can be used to analyze policy…

The authors believe that in order to fully develop as an individual and an effective member of a democratic society, one must be able to intelligently evaluate a wide range of conflicting and controversial viewpoints. And it is on this crucial point that our educational system has, no doubt unintentionally, failed a large number of citizens. This…

The purpose of this collection of 12 readings is to: 1) familiarize students with the general characteristics of groups occupying varying positions along the political spectrum; 2) present the opinions of several representatives of these viewpoints on the welfare state issue; and, 3) enable students to form their own informed and unemotional…

Examines changes in social studies education from the late 1960s into 1980s, stating that it is important today to teach about social issues using some form of values clarification. Advocates the use of such methods so that students may effectively confront today's challenges, namely Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, drug abuse, alcoholism, sex…

Delineates four compelling reasons for placing bioethical issues, including abortion, in a curricular context. These include linking ethics and civics, preparing informed decision makers, public debate, and studying the future today. Includes activities and questions designed to provide students with a conceptual focus. (MJP)

Advocates teaching controversial issues to children, claiming that they already have some knowledge of these through their own experience and media exposure. Describes role-playing activities, including simulated small claims court and city council hearings. Provides an overview of a five-day instructional unit on violence. (MJP)

Examines the inherent dichotomy between the competing needs of maintaining emotional safety and exploring sensitive issues in social studies classrooms. Argues that an effectively safe classroom can serve as a necessary backdrop for addressing controversial issues even in the earliest of grades. Maintains that most teachers simply ignore these…

This document reports on the tenor and outcomes of the National Issues Forums held in 1991-92 on three issues. The report draws upon three resources: short participant questionnaires, descriptions from groups' convenors, and detailed analysis of the taped proceedings of 10 groups. The report is organized in three sections, each consisting of a…

Social studies education in the United States has been viewed by many as a forum in which to socialize new citizens, to ensure that people of differing backgrounds have a history and ideals that they can share. Social studies also is perceived by some as a vehicle through which students can learn the value of conflict and difference, in the…

First in 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 health care in the United States. The document is presented in four major chapters. Chapter I explores how economic and political…

This study, conducted during the 1966-67 school year, examined the effect of variables derived from the cultural-institutional milieu and the teacher's attitudinal, professional, and academic background upon the existing practices in teaching social studies. 143 teachers in Michigan, Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala participated. Teachers were…

Maintains that teachers must act a clear role or roles when discussing controversial issues. Discusses the various roles a teacher may assume, including presiding judge, determined advocate, nurturant facilitator, and socratic cross-examiner. Suggests which scenarios may work best with different roles. (MJP)

This study guide is one of several supplementary materials for a 15-week newspaper course about crime and justice in America. Course objectives are to help students understand the complexity of crime in America, the relationship between crime and the social system, uses and misuses of official statistics, competing philosophies of criminal…

By focusing on controversial social/political issues in high school American history and social studies courses, classroom teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills. Contemporary issues of a controversial nature are particularly good topics for high school because students are generally familiar with the issues through exposure…