One of the most effective methods for teaching social studies events, concepts, and issues incorporates the fine arts into lesson plans. The fine arts, such as photography, architecture, paintings, tapestries, and sculptures reflect the core cultural values, political ideals, and religious beliefs of a civilization and offer excellent…

Within the United States, education has long been valued as a means of fostering the growth and development of each person in order to realize the democratic ideals of freedom, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights of all. In an increasingly globalized world and within the United States itself, this growth and development must…

After a disaster, or in the midst of a conflict, the news that finds its way into people's homes has a uniquely powerful effect on their psyche. Vulnerable people are caught in destructive forces beyond their control. The scenes people see are post-apocalyptic. The stories are gripping, spanning themes of luck, loss, hope, love, and wild fear,…

The article describes an approach to infusing human dignity into the social studies curriculum through (1) planned instruction, (2) teacher-child interaction, and (3) school responses to unacceptable behavior. Recommended practices for each of the three components are offered. (DB)

Certain fundamental perspectives on social issues have become conventions in the way society is represented in school curricula, distorting the kind of social understanding needed by young people. Among these distorting conventions are functionalism, determinism, and individualism. These approaches to social education are analyzed; alternative…

This document discusses various models of peace education. Peace education can be handled in a number of different ways in relation to the traditional "Didactic space" of schools, for example: (1) peace education can be made into a special subject, a mono-curricular approach; (2) peace related issues can be handled by means of special…

Examines the conflict between the "politically correct" movement and educational "traditionalists." Suggests that the "politically correct" view seeks to purge sexism, racism, and economic classism, whereas traditionalists desire to inject values into education. Identifies the one-sidedness of each position. Argues…

Contends that middle- and upper-income youth may indirectly be the beneficiaries of social systems that are based on policies of injustice for the sake of profit or power. Suggests using an approach that helps such young people see that the establishment of social justice is beneficial to them as well as to the victims of injustice. (CFR)

This document discusses and documents the answers that 50 experts representing 22 countries gave to two questions: (1) Do you think it is at all possible for schools to contribute to a "peace education"? and (2) If so, what are some to the steps and measures to be taken that you think of first? Part 1 of the report attempts to summarize…

The primary goal of social studies is education for political citizenship. Democratic values is the most important type of content to be included in the social studies program of the middle grades. (RM)

These Utah core standards are designed to help prepare students for the changing times that will require knowledge and skills for living and competition in the information age. Six qualities are emphasized (1) higher level thinking and process skills; (2) citizenship/character practices and principles; (3) basic U.S. values; (4) economic literacy;…

To aid in the development of moral and ethical frames of reference necessary for citizenship in a democratic society, the booklet outlines 7 programs for K-6 students that present 19 concepts for affective education instruction in the areas of values, attitudes, and interests. Some of these include freedom, honesty, loyalty, responsibility,…

Presents a lesson plan to teach U.S. history through photographs of two monuments, one public and one private, commemorating Civil War dead. Provides background on the subjects, an all-black volunteer unit and three sons lost from one family, as well as the sculptors. Includes discussion questions and follow-up activities. (DK)

This ERIC Digest reviews the development and current status of peace education in the United States. After briefly surveying the peace education movement from its origins with a small group of educators in New England in the 1800s through its stigmatization as being anti-American during periods of hot and cold war, the Digest devotes more…

The project group "Preparedness for Peace" at the Malmo School of Education in Sweden studies various prerequisites for peace education in school and various possibilities of carrying out peace-related activities at different school levels. A broad goal is to increase knowledge of possible ways of helping children and young people to…