An "experience-based" approach to elementary school level civics education, involving learning by doing and organized around personally meaningful political experiences, is desirable since existing programs and materials are not adequate. (MB)

This document is the report of a project to strengthen democratic reforms in Poland by enhancing student and teacher understanding of citizenship in a democracy. The goal of the initiative is to promote the development of democracy in Poland by instituting a new citizenship curriculum in Polish schools. The immediate goal of this project was to…

This issue presents criteria for new approaches to citizenship education in elementary schools. New approaches are illustrated with examples from Citizenship Decision-Making: Instructional Materials for Grades 4,5,6 developed at the Mershon Center of Ohio State University. This newsletter is published by the Division of Educational Affairs,…

Summarizes the traditional definition of the scope and domain of the field's interest in citizenship education, and evaluates this definition in light of the present knowledge that the process of citizenship education involves several societal institutions. Considers the implications and conditions of broadening citizenship education to non-school…

Presents an overview of civic education for democracy in Poland. Focuses on the largest, most comprehensive project, Education for Democratic Citizenship in Poland (EDCP). Discusses the context of civic education, project origins and goals, international partnerships, project funding, project-developed curricula, teacher-education activities, and…

This paper outlines a new way of defining the scope and domain of citizen education within the social studies curriculum. It is intended to help educators better attain their particular goals and expand their vision of citizenship education. The paper is divided into three parts. Part I emphasizes that the narrow, traditional definition of the…

Highlights findings of assessment studies indicating importance of emphasizing science/society theme in science/social studies curricula. Suggests linking learning experiences in science/social studies by discussing public issues related to science and fostering decision-making as a way of thinking about public issues and policies. (Author/JN)

Citizenship curricula should be broad, realistic, and practical. They should reflect global interdependence and the diversity of American society. (Author)

This report describes an approach to citizen education being developed by the Mershon Center at Ohio State University. The approach is based on the international experiences citizens have in the course of daily life in their local community. Part one of the report explains three premises upon which the approach rests: (1) the local community…

Part of a project to assist educators, parents, and community leaders as they develop and implement citizenship education programs, the document identifies and describes citizenship competencies. The document is presented in five chapters. Chapter I introduces the handbook and considers factors influencing citizenship education including social…

Principals can exercise leadership in citizenship education through three avenues: curriculum and classroom instruction, school climate and organization, and school and teacher relations with the community. (Author/WD)

The report focuses on two aspects of social education in public schools--citizenship and consumer education. The major objectives of the report were to investigate assumptions of educators and policy makers regarding social education and to recommend ways of improving social education programs. The document is presented in three major sections.…

This ERIC digest discusses the Education for Democratic Citizenship in Poland (EDCP) project, a cooperative effort of the Polish Ministry of National Education, the Mershon Center at The Ohio State University, and the Bureau for Civic Education in Local Control Schools at Warsaw, Poland. The digest discusses the background of the project, the…

This article presents a way of looking at decision making that can facilitate students' achievement of citizenship skills that may enable them to be more effective participants during and between elections. (AV)

Designed to help educators address science-related social issues, this publication considers: (1) major challenges associated with science-related social issues; (2) the extent to which these challenges are being met; (3) ways in which educators can improve the education of citizens in science, technology, and social issues; and (4) promising…