Purpose: To promote gains in cognitive complexity (measured by integrative complexity, IC) associated with recognition of validity in others' viewpoints/values, supporting peaceful conflict reduction. Design: Assessment of effectiveness of "Living Well with Difference" (LWWD) course designed to promote critical thinking about contested…

This paper presents the impact of student generated representations on students in three secondary schools in Nepal. Qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a classroom observation. Students, teachers and school principals were the research participants of this study. The findings indicated that…

A look at what students think about suggests that real social thinkers could be developed if students are provided with a breadth of knowledge to think about, a variety of models to use to begin thinking about it, and then are permitted to think. (Author/KM)

In order to directly relate research on children's thinking to curriculum development in the social studies, this study approximates the conditions and substances of daily classroom life and examines the levels of abstraction in children's thinking about complex social problems. The subjects include 210 boys and girls in equal numbers in grades…

Reports on a study of how naive theories, age, and education relate to higher order thinking among 54 adolescents and adults. Finds that, regardless of age and education, all subjects referred to naive theories to identify causes and create remedial strategies for social problems. (CFR)

This study investigated the relationship between teacher behavior and pupil reflective dialogue in the classroom assuming that social problems provide a natural springboard for inquiry through classroom discussion. It was hypothesized that different teacher strategies promote different types of class interaction. Discussion styles were to be…

The central concern of this study, which was briefly reviewed in ED 049 143, was to determine effective teaching strategies and practices in secondary social studies classroom discussions of social issues. Teaching effectiveness was evaluated in terms of the cognitive or critical thinking skills of participating students, and their attitudes…

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)

The main objective of this study was to develop a category system to analyze or evaluate issue-centered classroom discussion (teaching-learning processes, cognitive and affective classroom interaction, verbal transactions (communication patterns), and, achievement of behavioral objectives). Behaviors investigated were: the extent of Michigan…

This study was an investigation of the socio-psychological or affective "side effects" of social issues instruction. Specific student behaviors and responses were measured and evaluated. First, student evaluations of teachers and classes (appreciation, perceived value, and logical benefits in critical thinking) were measured. Secondly,…