In this article, the author shares her research, as well as the work of other scholars, on social studies education narratives that portray individuals as heroes or villains and the effect these portrayals may have on students. These narratives not only stifle students' feelings of civic agency, but they minimize the role of community in creating…

How might social educators encourage civic reasoning and genuine dialogue across different perspectives? Disagreements about policy and appropriate action are part and parcel of democratic societies, and yet identifying and working through the roots of those disagreements are tricky skills for students (or anyone, for that matter). In this piece,…

When highly visible lapses in ethics occur, education gets some of the blame. Principals in the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis and the Enron scandal had been educated at Harvard and other elite business schools, where professional and moral ideals had arguably been replaced by a focus on profits at the expense of ethics. A long-standing tradition…

An examination of the ways moral education was taught in elementary public schools during the first three decades of the century suggests that moral education should be (1) indirect--not taught as a isolated subject; (2) comprehensive--include all aspects of school life; and (3) broadly conceived--moral education is multifaceted. (RM)

Characterizes American folk wisdom about the teaching of moral behavior. Compares the moral education offered in the Soviet Union, Japan, and India. Reviews Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development and concludes with speculations on the moral development role of religion, autonomy, and the environment. (JDH)

Outlines procedure for group activity centered around an historical event. The group must perform mathematical problems in reaching a solution to a feudal community's moral dilemma. Copies of handouts are included. (KC)

Describes the Amnesty International USA's Urgent Action letter writing program for schoolchildren. Discusses monthly cases, preparation material for parents and teachers, opportunities for classroom discussion, and a sample letter. Suggests that the program can be an action component in social studies, civics, religion, ethics, and English…

Explores the meaning of distributive justice and considers the importance of teaching the concept in social studies classes. Delineates characteristics of reasonable arguments for treating people differently to bring about justice. Presents situations to generate classroom discussion of the concept of justice. (NL)

Contends that the development and use of moral imagination helps students become sensitive to social justice issues and should be encouraged. Asserts that this process will encourage students to become cognizant of the tension between private beliefs and public behavior. (CFR)

Presents the idea of enhancing the humane values of elementary students by taking another perspective. Outlines a number of children's books for use with the development of the concept of justice. Gives insight into the risks of perspective taking by discussing the inadequacies of projection in understanding others. (KO)

Contends that the application of virtue to the social studies community has become a necessary condition for survival. Argues that educational institutions should not become glorified vocational schools, that they have a higher purpose. Maintains that citizens must understand the inherent power of learning and service. (CFR)

Among the goals of Chinese educators today are unifying education standards, extending the length of schooling to 12 years, and improving teacher quality. Moral education is being introduced into formal schooling on a large scale. Social studies courses are heavily laced with party dogma. Social studies courses are listed. (RM)

Presents a classroom activity designed to involve students in critical thinking and values inquiry concerning the horizontal nuclear proliferation. Provides a set of global values, explaining the conflict between them and nuclear proliferation. Uses indicators, hypothesis development, and testing. Provides sources for material evidence to use in…

Recommends using literature, Supreme Court cases, and moral dilemmas in a debate format as means of instruction for character education. Includes a rationale and examples for each approach. Explains several guiding values (respect for persons, justice, telling the truth) and their relevance to character education. (MJP)

Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…