This book explores the issues of democratic education and student responsibilities in the schools. There are three compelling reasons to engage students to have a direct experience of democracy as an integral part of their schooling: (1) students are most likely to understand and value democracy and develop the political skills required for…

We present the results of a literature review of studies on teaching strategies for moral education in secondary schools (1995-2003). The majority of the studies focus on the "what" and "why", i.e. the objectives, of curriculum-oriented moral education. Attention to the instructional formats for enhancing the prosocial and moral development of…

Between 1976 and 1982, teenagers improved their performance on citizenship/social studies items measuring political knowledge and attitudes--13-year-olds by nearly three percentage points and 17-year-olds by about two percentage points. Results for the various population groups indicated that improvements tended to be greater for lower achieving…

Contends that educational reform efforts have neglected the values of civic education and its implications for civic and social life. Asserts that this is not true in Europe where an increasing focus on the European dimension in education has a strong civic education component. (CFR)

Thirteen authors reflect on different ideas of communitarianism and citizenship and on the ways those ideas find application in the fields of education, politics, and social welfare. Looking beyond communitarian ideology, the volume offers a more detailed discussion of citizenship in contemporary society. The essays are: (1) "Beyond…

Questions whether the transmission of norms and values is an appropriate function of liberal education as envisioned in a liberal constitutional state (The Netherlands). Draws a distinction between the inculcation of intellectual virtues and indoctrination. Presents a cogent analysis of the concepts and objectives of liberal education for…

Presents an annotated bibliography of educational resources from the ERIC database related to democratic education. The materials include digests, monographs, journal articles, and academic papers. The citations include all relevant bibliographic information and a short abstract, as well as, information on ordering and locating the materials. (MJP)

Discusses the question of how the problem of defining American "nationality" or citizenship has affected schooling and education since colonial times. Identifies and discusses three traditions of U.S. citizenship. Contends that these traditions have produced innumerable dilemmas and conflicts for public education. (CFR)

Illustrates how school evaluation can lead to substantive and genuine involvement of all stake holders (students, parents, teachers, the community, administrators, government, and funding agencies) in an effort to make judgments about what is right and good in schools. Includes a six-step process for evaluating school programs. (MJP)

Illustrates the ways that a cultural studies approach to teacher education can expand the vision of democracy and citizenship. Analyzes the development and subsequent breakdown of the economic foundations of 20th-century life and offers new understandings that can be used to inform a democratically aware teacher education program. (MJP)

Posits three interdependent languages that we use to make democracy work: (1) language of possibility; (2) language of critique; and (3) language of action. Argues for the creation and incorporation of a fourth, the language of transition. This allows for the exploration of spaces between the other three. (MJP)

Discusses the place of moral education in Spain's educational system. Contends that the particular political and social context in which Spanish education has developed has caused moral education to acquire a special nature that is different from even neighboring nations. (CFR)

Reports on a study of views of friendship among 20 5- and 6-year-old British students. Finds that boys and girls were able to interpret friendships as transactions. Also finds differences between boys and girls on their understanding of "bad friends." (CFR)

Argues that political scientists should take a more active role in the current efforts to encourage the development of democratic institutions in developing countries. Maintains that political scientists could provide a needed perspective currently lacking in the efforts run by lawyers, ex-public officials, and journalists. (MJP)

Contends that a public education similar to that proposed by Emile Durkheim is a condition for a flourishing liberal society. Maintains that Durkheim merged standard liberal and communitarian values by supporting both individual rights and the common good. (CFR)