A constructivistic learning process was used with primary and secondary students in Genoa, Italy, to approach the problem of the diffusion of the alloctonous algae Caulerpa taxifolia in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Because of the lack of a continuous research program in Italy, the media played a heavy role in the transfer of information to…

Explores the changing expectations of students towards a women professor throughout the course of her pregnancy. The professor made a conscious effort to standardize her classroom behavior throughout the course. Nonetheless, students attributed negative reactions and a general decline in her effectiveness to the debilitating effects of the…

Criticizes the very notion of national standards for history. Maintains that the interpretative nature of historical study does not lend itself to the establishment of a single set of curricular standards. Argues that the most effective means of improving history instruction is to improve education for history teachers. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the issues and controversies concerning censorship in classrooms and libraries. Discusses a number of strategies for defusing and addressing censorship attempts and issues. These include involving parents and community, developing procedures for challenged materials, and utilizing censorship attempts to initiate lessons on…

Proposes two motivational instruments that can help students gain an understanding of the issues and analyze their importance. The first step, F.I.N.D.(ing) an article, involves identifying Facts, Issues, Nation(s) Involved and Dilemma. The second step incorporates seeing R.E.D., (R)ecognizing the Issue, (E)valuating the Issue, and (D)efending the…

Explores the rationale for including the Holocaust in the social studies curriculum and analyzes how aspects can be introduced at elementary grade levels. Outlines course objectives for studying the Holocaust that are relevant to major issues in social studies. Notes 34 states do not require world history courses and textbook content is uneven.…

Provides direction for developing appropriate and meaningful social studies instruction for the development of responsible citizenship in adolescents. Suggests that curriculum design should have some relationship to physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Identifies concerns with the self, right and wrong, others, and the world…

Discusses difficulties of overcoming classism, racism, and sexism in the classroom. Addresses hostile reactions by white male students, silencing and marginalization, and the "inappropriate other"--a minority or female in the traditionally white male role of professor. Stresses that gender and race are inseparable parts of identity,…

Outlines a lesson for high school students covering religious controversies in New York City schools in the 1840s. Issues pertain to Irish-Catholic immigrants' objections to public school religious instruction and attempts to obtain public support for parochial schools. Includes handouts concerning religious freedom, Bishop John Hughes' opinion,…

Criticizes character education programs that tend merely to present moral values to students, believing this produces socially responsible behavior. Argues listing values is simplistic and ineffective. Recognizes the situational complexity that confounds making moral choices. Suggests character education must contend with value conflicts and guide…

Instructors who consider creation of an experiential course in race relations at the university or college level may benefit from information provided in this article. One of the coauthors, a licensed psychologist and pioneer in this type of educational experience, provides insights regarding challenges of the course from an instructor's…

Delivering a discussion-intensive curriculum via online instruction can pose a variety of challenges. This article presents an overview of a contemporary issues online graduate course, and analyzes the degree to which the course encouraged feelings of community, a tone of thoughtful and willing reflection, and an overall understanding of…

This digest summarizes a larger document of the same title which takes the position that because American democracy is founded on the premise that citizens need to engage in free and open discussion of opposing points of view, it is important that intellectual conflict become part of college instruction. It suggests several ways in which…

The thesis of this book is that intellectual conflict is an important and powerful instructional tool which should become part of day-to-day student life in colleges and universities. Properly structured academic controversy results in increased achievement, better problem-solving and decision-making skills, more positive interpersonal skills, and…

This document presents results of a survey studying the Japanese picture book, "Hiroshima No Pika." The story aptly captures how a family of three find their lives shattered in a matter of seconds when the atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima (Japan) in World War II. Issues presented in the story are: (1) immediate survival in the face of…