A recent report from the Democracy Project found that "confidence in our governing institutions has been weakening over many years, and key pillars of our democracy, including the rule of law and freedom of the press, are under strain." In the recently published book "The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to…

The notion of teaching social studies through inquiry is far from a new development. With the publication of the "College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History," however, there is arguably a greater emphasis on inquiry in K-12 social studies education…

In this article, the author presents a truer picture than economic historians have previously had of the economies of Tokugawa Japan, and Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Though substantially different, both societies were prosperous compared to most of the rest of the world. Japan's economic success began in the Tokugawa period…

The tragedy of 9/11 is perhaps the most significant event so far in the 21st century. Ten years later, the vast majority of elementary school students have no personal connection with the original events, yet all live in a world that has been and continues to be affected by 9/11. How can teachers introduce young students to the events of that…

History has placed the stamp of approval on the publication of the Pentagon Papers, the top-secret history of the Vietnam War. If WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange is another Daniel Ellsberg, then it is possible the website's disclosures will be viewed over time as similarly in the public interest. A classroom discussion on the release of…

Describes the paradoxical relationship between the United Nations and African nations. Asserts that the search for democracy, justice, equity, and education has forced many states to look with interest at the pedagogy of liberation. Discusses what is being taught about the United Nations in African schools. (CFR)

Reviews the trend toward democracy in former totalitarian states. Emphasizes the need of newly democratic countries to establish strong civil societies in which nongovernmental institutions and associations flourish. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of emerging democracies. (MJP)

Investigates citizenship education in five different countries over ten years: (1) Denmark; (2) Germany; (3) the United States; (4) the Netherlands; and (5) England. Focuses on adolescents, ages 14 to 19, within secondary schools using questionnaires and interviews with students and teachers. (CMK)

Discusses the issue of citizenship attitude in the Caribbean. Suggests that attention needs to be paid to the problems of development and the relationship between the industrialized and nonindustrialized world. Advocates an increased knowledge base as a means of changing attitudes. Recommends a number of approaches to education. (KO)

Describes how the Community-in-the-Classroom (CIC) program works and the positive effects CIC has on students' learning and character development. Discusses the use of experiential learning, outlines the preparation for having community speakers in the classroom, and provides two examples of using guest speakers to teach about Vietnam and the U.S.…

Presents Swedish views on Iran-Contra hearings and outlines issues for classroom instruction. Stresses the need to examine both the positive and negative effects of the media and the importance of teaching democratic principles. (DH)

Provides background information on environmental issues and conservation within Myanmar (formerly Burma). Discusses environmental education, focusing specifically on primary education in Myanmar. Explores the effectiveness of environmental education by using four questions to guide the evaluation, such as why environmental education is taught and…

Describes a study of 14 fifth graders concerning their understanding and attitudes toward the Persian Gulf War. Finds that the public school served as a significant socialization agent during the war, although television was even more important. Concludes that patriotic issues and activities overshadowed any attempts to have students think…

Describes realities of "gutter education," the term applied to segregated education for blacks under apartheid in South Africa. Exposes efforts to control learning of students, including excessive use of rote learning methods and state-mandated content exams which promote the status quo. Notes lack of black students' cooperation with…

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.…