In order to sustain a thriving democracy, civic action must be infused into the day-to-day practice and methods of teachers and professors (Giroux, 2011). Unfortunately, many public education institutions are sorely lacking when it comes to fostering civic action in their curriculum and practice (Giroux, 2011; Reason, 2013). If higher education…

Ten years ago, in "Kappan," the author published a detailed account of the old-fashioned and unengaging instruction used at his son Max's Chicago elementary school. Now he updates readers with a reflection on Max's high school years, describing a curriculum and teaching practices that desperately need an overhaul. Thanks to its…

The social studies teacher should assist pupils in developing meaningful learnings. A teacher can achieve such a goal by building on interests that students already have in the social studies. It also is necessary to provide for individual differences among elementary school children. The learner must perceive a purpose and must be able to…

Nearly every college mission statement expresses the desire to educate students who not only have mastered a body of academic knowledge and skills but also will be responsible and engaged citizens. However, it is not clear how well colleges are achieving these traditional civic and democratic goals. The Carnegie Foundation conducted a 3-year study…

Explains the potential role and benefits of service learning in transforming schools. Argues that service learning has the potential to reinvigorate traditional classrooms and turn passive students into dynamic and engaged learners, but its implementation carries no guarantee of "product satisfaction." Further, its success lies in the…

This curriculum guide is intended to provide practical, easy-to-use applications for the widest range of faculty who would like to develop their students' citizenship skills by integrating civic responsibility concepts and practices into their college courses. The authors recognize that community college faculty teach courses that reflect varying…

Twelve learning activities are presented for children in kindergarten through grade three to help develop skills of valuing, decision making, interpersonal relationships, and spatial awareness. Knowledge and skills in these areas will enable children to understand and effectively communicate with people of different cultures and lifestyles, and to…