Describes a middle school experiment where the student government was reorganized and structured along the model of the U.S. government. The government contains a senate, house of representatives, and a judiciary. Legislation, committees, and student appointments are handled in a manner paralleling the national government. (MJP)

Describes an experimental course at an urban school that focuses on experiences of service work outside the school as well as involvement in the political and social structure within the school. Suggests ways that schools can design a curriculum that reflects on social activity as an element of community life. (MJP)

Provides an examination of Charles Nisbet's stewardship of Dickinson College in post-revolutionary Pennsylvania. Nisbet's attempts to create a university reflecting the republican ideals of an enlightened aristocracy governing a deferential population met with disastrous resistance from a faculty and student body more aligned with revolutionary…

Recognizes and discusses the special place that small business occupies, not only in American history, but also in American thought and culture. Examines the various conflicts between big and small business. Notes that the division of territory, products, and services between the two is largely defined by economies of scale. (MJP)

Reviews the trend toward democracy in former totalitarian states. Emphasizes the need of newly democratic countries to establish strong civil societies in which nongovernmental institutions and associations flourish. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of emerging democracies. (MJP)

Identifies and explores educational issues related to Lawrence Kohlberg's work never systematically addressed by the author himself. Suggests that these issues could be developed into a contextualised theory of transformation. That theory could help make manifest Kohlberg's vision of a democratic school run by students and teachers. (MJP)

Examines theories of child rearing and education promoted by the Christian Right, contrasting them with those advanced by educational psychology research. The paper also analyzes the curriculum used in many fundamentalist Christian schools, and opposition of the Christian Right to outcome-based education and whole-language reading instruction. (SM)

A consultant discusses his experience in assisting teachers and students to develop a democratic approach to education at a new school for high-risk American Indian students in northern Michigan. Strategies included appointing students to the school board, holding weekly student meetings, and creating a judicial committee to review student…

Asserts that the Big Sisters Programme in Hong Kong provides a good example of a scheme that transcends personal and school issues and facilitates a more participative and democratic view of society. Characterizes the program as a benign form of a "hidden curriculum" and recommends establishing it in secondary schools. (MJP)

Criticizes the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century," for its contradictions, traditionalist views, positivistic approach to social science, and failure to identify ways to teach democratic values. Suggests that the report qualifies as an updated version of…

Considers the controversy over national education standards and evaluates their potential in the classroom. Specifically, looks at staff development and the goals of school administrators in the light of the recent National Standards in Civics and Government. Postulates that classrooms can become living laboratories for American democracy. (MJP)

Asserts that tolerance is a fundamental part of democracy. Presents a lesson plan to help students understand tolerance as it applies to homosexuality. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout featuring Oregon's proposed minority status and Child Protection Act. (CFR)

Contends that popular, or a form of alternative, education stands in the background of most efforts in human rights education in Latin America. Maintains that education must educate people as producers, citizens, and individuals. Discusses challenges to this task in light of liberation theology and the Peruvian experience. (CFR)

Contends that cooperative learning techniques lead to more student self-direction and active participation in the learning process. Reports on the experiences of three teachers using cooperative learning. Concludes that cooperative learning helps teach democratic principles and respect for cultural diversity. (CFR)

Advocates cooperative learning, rather than competitive learning, in the classroom. Offers an example of cooperative learning among nursery school children in Tenants Harbor, Maine. Discusses ways for teachers to facilitate cooperative learning in program and classroom design. (BB)