Presents results of a survey questionnaire asking for teacher perspectives on student acquisition of democratic citizenship. States that the survey initially was begun as a field test of the evaluation instrument. Includes the survey questions and percentages of agreement and disagreement in the teachers' responses. (DK)

Examines the political beliefs of social studies education professors and social studies teachers. Reports that the political ideology of the professors was more liberal than that of the social studies teachers. Suggests that these differences in outlook have an effect on the way social studies is taught because of differing definitions of good…

Out of the eight decades of thought about the meaning of social studies, some agreement as to the purpose and goals of social studies has emerged, yet argument continues on just how the goals and purposes should be applied. One approach to understanding the different points of view on the purposes and goals is the "three traditions"…

Reports on a study of 135 Russian and 279 U.S. teachers on the importance of 11 broad educational goals. Finds that U.S. teachers were most committed to basic skills development and critical thinking. Finds that Russian teachers were most supportive of interpersonal understanding, human relations, and ethical well-being. (CFR)

Responds to James Leming's empirical study on ideological perspectives within the social studies profession and his assertion that teachers and teacher educators exist in separate cultures. Agrees with Leming's descriptions of social studies professors but not his recommendations to bridge the gulf between teacher educators and teachers. (CFR)

Describes a study to determine the results of taking a social studies course on the social studies orientations of history and geography graduate students not previously exposed to social studies. Discusses three social studies orientations: citizenship transmission, social science, and reflective inquiry. Concludes that teachers do change their…

This document reports the results of a survey of 1,284 K-12 teachers who were asked what kinds of support they needed for teaching law related and citizenship education. The survey results illustrate that the need to devise a clear definition of law related education has never been more critical. Other needs identified by the teachers included…

Provides a personal philosphy and vision on the nature and purpose of social studies education. Contends that social studies falls short of the possiblilties it holds for society on the brink of the twenty-first century. Asserts that experiential learning provides the best avenue for effective social studies education. (CFR)

Discusses the division within the social studies profession between the social studies theorists and the practitioners. Points out the complexity of citizenship as the foundation for social studies. Suggests that theorists need to engage in dialogue within their profession and with the practitioners. (SLM)

Maintains that the field of social studies defines its central purpose through endorsements of citizenship education. Reports on three case studies of elementary teachers using Catherine Cornbleth's three types of citizenship education: the illusory, the technical, and the constructive. (CFR)

Discusses the nature of social studies as a discipline. Defines it as citizenship education for teaching students how to deal with change and conflict in society. Suggests that social studies teachers believe that content should be interdisciplinary, emphasize themes and concepts dealing with social and personal issues, and teach the process of…

Contends that thousands of high schools subscribe to the daily "Channel One" newscast. Outlines a literature review and survey of 600 high school students about their attitudes toward "Channel One." Finds students generally have positive feelings about the news program but not about the commercials. (CFR)

Reviews theory and research on the relationship between classroom climate and citizenship outcomes in elementary settings. Compares democratic learning environments described by three studies. Suggests that free expression, peer interaction in cooperative activities, respect for diverse viewpoints, and student participation in decision making…

Argues that European schools must begin to deal with the issue of citizenship education in light of the emergence of the European Community. Concludes that both preservice and inservice teacher training will be critical to success efforts to promote European citizenship. (CFR)

Summarizes reviews of research in the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning," concerning international perspectives. Analyzes social studies research in England, Eastern Europe, and Africa, seeing modern citizenship as a unifying theme. Stresses the value to U.S. educators of comparative cross-national studies.…