This paper describes some aspects of the transition taking place in Czech educational efforts since the "Velvet Revolution" of 1989, particularly changes in the teaching of civic education in the schools. The paper takes the position that governments find it important to mold new generations in areas of civic responsibility, whatever the…

Reports on ideas discussed at the second meeting of experimental teachers held in the Soviet Union in 1987. Considers teaching innovations that promote student development and seek cooperative teacher-student relationships, while serving social production needs. Emphasizes student creativity and personal responsibility. Builds from earlier work on…

Detailed listings of character traits that are to be instilled in Russian youth at each grade level and the activities through which those traits may be realized are examined in this article. (RM)

Traces the development of peace-oriented experiential philosophy in both its Western and Soviet contexts, suggesting that adventure-based citizen diplomacy is a valuable means to build bridges between them. Adventure Based Citizen Diplomacy projects are working to decrease the cultural, sociopolitical, and psychological barriers that remain in the…

Discusses the Step by Step Program, funded by the Open Society Institute (OSI) and operated in Eastern and Central Europe, former Soviet states, Haiti, and South Africa. Discusses OSI's belief that educating the youngest members of society in a way that encourages individualism, choice, initiative, and appreciation of differences can lead to a new…

Discusses the changes in geography and social science education in the former Soviet Union that followed the sweeping political changes there. Explains how the curriculum and teacher education changed under glasnost and perestroika. Examines prospects for the future. Includes maps and charts detailing some of the many changes in the former USSR.…

Describes teaching children about historical documents as a way of illustrating the reasons behind U.S. government. Explains that the course examines the U.S. Constitution, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and Bill of Rights. Argues that children have firm opinions about fairness and justice. Describes a project comparing U.S. government with that…

Discusses the changing concept of human rights and important freedoms as the Soviet Union moved away from Communism toward democracy. Describes steps that have been taken in human rights education by various nongovernmental organizations. Suggests that the first priority is to educate children about human rights and, in so doing, develop the…

Reports excerpts from a discussion meeting held by a scientific council on problems of youth policy in the USSR in 1990. Discusses the problems of restructuring the Soviet education system in keeping with the goals of Perestroika. Includes comments on socialism, curriculum, and the goals of the education system. (DK)

Addresses the importance of providing an education in spiritual and moral values as a means of preventing delinquency, crime, and other social problems resulting for urbanization. Suggests that stressing aesthetic education and cultural values will help students to find a creative release for their energy. Describes programs in film studies,…

Maintains that, over the past 50 years, the United States has had an unusually close and tumultuous relationship with the United Nations. Provides an historical review of world events since the beginning of the United Nations and describes the U.S. role in the organization. (CFR)

Recommends developing programs that involve rural secondary students in the organizational planning and work of collective farms in the USSR. Argues this helps students apply knowledge, develop skills, and sharpen their social focus. Advocates including environmental education to develop students' ecological awareness. Notes experimental schools…

Introduces a special theme issue on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Asserts that the anniversary comes at a time when increasing demands are being made upon the UN to play a leading role in world affairs. Calls for teachers to incorporate the United Nations into courses throughout the curriculum. (CFR)

A comparative analysis of values education in the United States, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and Canada analyzed eight assertions: (1) No institution with education as its primary aim can be value neutral; (2) Countries differ in values which characterize their political cultures and in values which are taught in…