To overcome problems of trivia and nostalgia, a problem-centered approach to community oral history projects is proposed. Instead of cataloging details about aspects of past social life, the projects might shape their inquiry as an effort to understand a problem facing the community, a problem with contemporary significance but historical roots.…

Discusses the history of debate about the roles of indoctrination versus free inquiry in the classroom in American education. Many present-day theorists may discover what educators of the 1930s found: that there is no contradiction between transmitting democratic values while opposing censorship and indoctrination. (MD)

Although racial discrimination contributes to increasing urban social dislocation, problems such as massive joblessness, the influx of migrants to cities, and demographic shifts underlie the current crisis. Change will only come about through public policies that benefit all the poor, not just poor minorities. (Author/GC)

Reviews important science news stories reported during 1984 in "Science News" magazine. These stories are in the categories of: anthropology and paleontology; behavior; biology; chemistry; computers; mathematics; earth science; the environment; medicine; physics; science and society; space sciences and astronomy; and technology. (JN)

Discusses current national mood regarding importance of science education, what can be done to remedy the gross inadequacy of math and science education that currently exists for the average U.S. student, make-up of target audience for this new strategy, and pedagogical strategy designed to achieve technology literacy. (MBR)

Described is a preservice, social studies methods course. Two fundamental premises provide the foundation for the course: (1) students need to learn how to investigate and discuss societal issues, develop personal positions, and make decisions through democratic processes; (2) secondary education should relate to the nature of today's teenagers.…

Offers examples of controversial topics that had been covered successfully by a high school newspaper staff. (AEA)

Charges that the counseling profession has been floundering in a search for purpose and meaning. Analysis of the past and present suggests that work with youth and emerging social issues should be the major focus of the future. (JAC)

Tests the validity of hypotheses concerning the effects of films on opinion formation. Reports on experiments using two third-grade classes and a conservation film produced for primary-school-age children. (Author/RK)

Presented are the results of a national poll of research directors to identify critical problems facing basic research today. Problems identified included the following: lack of continuous, stable funding; decline in the quality of research students; infringement of the freedom of inquiry; and decline in public confidence. (SL)

A portrait of a new urban black emerges in the context of a non-violent protestor instead of a violence oriented rioter. (Author/AM)

The significance of a college education in developing decisionmaking via question forming is emphasized in this brief historical review. Social and political influences are cited. (LBH)

Student attitudes toward current controversial problems (bussing for racial integration, legalization of abortion, and legalization of marijuana) were studied with regard to social class. The 1960 revision of the Purdue Master Attitude Scale was used. (LBH)

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System is an epidemiologic surveillance system that was established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help monitor the prevalence of behaviors that not only influence youth health, but also put youth at risk for the most significant health and social problems that can occur during…