The integration of emerging technologies in higher education presents a new set of challenges and opportunities for educators. With a growing need for customized lesson plans in online education, educators are rethinking the design and development of their learning environments. "Utilizing Virtual and Personal Learning Environments for…

In order to understand the mechanisms of the socializing processes associated with citizenship development in the United States, it is necessary to study the interactions of ideology, education, and cultural pluralism as they are manifested in educational programs and in the processes of child development. The means and methods for understanding…

Purpose: The success of schools fundamentally depends on teachers' willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, namely, to exhibit organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Attempts to understand the causes of OCB frequently focus on individual characteristics; only recently have researchers begun to direct their attention to more…

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…

Reports on a sociological research project that explored how a new generation of teachers in Greece, Spain, Portugal, England, and Wales understood the concept of citizenship and how gender relates to it. The data suggests that specific gender and cultural groups may posses their own notions of citizenship. (MJP)

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…

Education is the process of handing down to the rising generation the wisdom and experience of the generations that have gone before. Now, as mankind is hesitatingly turning into new paths here and there it is all the more necessary that the most careful attention be given to the points of departure and the reason for departing from the old ones.…

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)

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…

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.…

Reports on a survey of school administrators and teachers regarding the relationship between the status of elementary social studies and the goal of personal development for the greater good of society. Finds that competition for resources, low student interest, and an uneven curriculum have pushed social studies to the background. (CFR)