Argues that middle- and high-school students benefit from class discussions of personal and societal values and the role they play in decision making. Presents two stories of real-life difficult choices and their consequences. Presents brief descriptions of five current controversial issues (with suggested questions) for classroom discussion to…

Old Order Amish in modern society have retained definite customs and traditions. At the heart of their thinking is the belief that resolving conflicts peacefully within their own cultural group is a necessity. In times of conscription of young men, alternative service in governmental-approved civilian work is performed instead of military service.…

The Holdeman Mennonites live in many states of the United States, and in Canada. They represent a unique culture with definite beliefs and philosophies. The physical appearance of the Holdeman Mennonites readily identifies who they are. Too frequently, outside viewers feel that the Old Order Amish with their horse drawn carriages, horse drawn farm…

Lifestyles of three cultural groups (Amish, Hutterites, Bedouins) illustrate social stability isolated from change. Students should study stable cultures in order to understand the role of tradition, minority group contributions, and different ways people achieve common goals of food production, housing, and personal satisfaction. For journal…

Many decisions made in the curriculum of life are philosophical. Few choices are made empirically. In the school/class setting, teachers and supervisors need to choose from among opposite ideas: (1) programmed learning versus learning centers or open space education; (2) basal readers versus individualized reading programs; (3) stated objectives…

The approximately 15,000 Hutterites living in the United States and Canada have a long history of development. Their founder, Jacob Hutter, became a martyr in 1536 in what is now Czechoslovakia. From Czechoslovakia, the Hutterites moved to the Ukraine in 1770 and to the United States in 1874. Hutterite philosophy emphasizes both modern and…

Despite the value placed on traditional culture in Old Order Amish society, these communities have experienced change recently. These changes include: use of legal means to regulate behavior, acceptance of technical medical services such as heart transplants, and diminished importance of farm work to the economy of the community. However, the Old…

Posits the Old Order Amish as an excellent subject for elementary students to learn about cultures different than their own. Includes a brief but thorough examination of traditional Amish ways and beliefs. Recommends a thoughtful comparison between Amish culture and mainstream U.S. culture. (MJP)