Islam supports participation in regular physical activity for health. However, various contextual factors related to the school setting, and traditional physical education curriculum and instruction may hinder full student engagement. The article's purposes are to: (1) provide an update on and implications of research conducted with US Muslim…

This article provides strategies that are recommended to elementary school teachers to help students in the U.S. understand Islam and its followers. It discusses the importance of cultural and historical studies in making students aware of the value of Islam to its followers. Three strategies described herein are: the concept of similarities, the…

A questionnaire to assess views about spiritual development was completed by 112 of the 174 head teachers of church primary schools in Wales. The findings indicated that despite the seemingly ambiguous nature of the term "spiritual development", head teachers had clear views about its meaning. While most head teachers emphasised the need…

Issues regarding sexuality are often little discussed in high schools serving students from religiously conservative backgrounds. Frequently, parents and school administrators are uncomfortable with, and reluctant to discuss the topic, and as a result students have inadequate opportunities to engage in discussions about sex and relationships. This…

Discusses the nature of Jewish educational research. Addresses four questions: (1) what makes Jewish educational research unique; (2) what issues does it address; (3) what methods should it employ; and (4) what sort of institutions should it study? Concludes that it combines educational research and Judaic studies emphasizing transmission of…

Mention the Shakers and many people think immediately of the fine pieces of furniture made by this group in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Shaker's philosophy, religious beliefs, and daily lifestyle greatly influenced the design and construction of their furniture and other crafts. While studying and building Shaker-style pieces, students…

Students in York County, Pennsylvania, live near Amish communities, and recognize the influence of Amish culture within their own lives through food, decorative arts, furniture, and quilts. The understanding of the cultural ideas used in Amish quilts, however, is not often explored. Two regional art educators, Trisha Coggins and Sara Little, were…

Discusses the history and conceptual, cultic, and communal aspects of the Islamic religion. Explores the duties of Muslims, which are referred to as the "pillars of Islam." Describes Muhammed's place in the Islamic faith as its primary prophet and model of behavior. Identifies an approach to the study of Islam that is equally applicable…

Offers classroom activities for instructing middle school students about religious diversity in the United States. Incorporates a poster that invites student speculation about the Amish lifestyle. Suggests having students examine what they know about U.S. religions and what life would be like without religious freedom. (SG)

Discusses the problems of Sephardic Jews, before and after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Explains that, although some converted to Christianity, they remained targets of discrimination in Spain. Explores the Sephardic influence upon other Jewish communities across the Mediterranean. Describes the Sephardic role in Columbus' voyages. (SG)

Provides a three-day lesson plan for instruction about the Holocaust. Includes student handouts about the roots of antisemitism, the "Final Solution," and other topics. Examines the historical roots of anti-Jewish feeling, the rise of Germany's Nazi Party, Jewish resistance, and the ultimate liberation of Jews who survived the…

Rastafarians have used biblical geography to invest themselves with sanctity, status, and a global significance. They have reinterpreted the geography of the Bible in a novel manner that makes sense for them and provides a world map essential to their doctrine and manner of life. (RM)

Observes the proliferation of fundamentalist Christian schools in the United States and describes their philosophy on schooling as educational preparation for a life of service to God and separation from the world. Considers some educational implications of this philosophy, and compares them with the Pragmatic philosophy of John Dewey. (DB)

Contends that a full and balanced education in the social studies requires study about religion and religious issues. Describes an elective course in world religions for high school students. Includes course objectives, course outline, teaching methods, and instructional materials. Addresses the issue of the controversial nature of teaching about…

Discusses how the author deals with matters of personal religious faith in the context of teaching college religion courses from an academic perspective. Refers to Bernard Lonergan's schema for consciousness and five precepts for trying to show connections among experience, understanding, judgment, and decision. (DB)