Within the United States, education has long been valued as a means of fostering the growth and development of each person in order to realize the democratic ideals of freedom, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights of all. In an increasingly globalized world and within the United States itself, this growth and development must…

Technological change has proven one of the few constants of the early 21st century, providing social studies educators with the challenge and opportunity of preparing digital citizens in a global setting. This requires rethinking the type of social studies learning necessary in the 21st century. As the National Academies concluded in the…

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)

Discusses the problem of ethnocentrism in the educational system of the United States. Suggests that knowledge needs to be redefined to reflect a multicultural view of the world rather than reflecting an "us against them" outlook. Argues that the humanities need to be decentered so that minority students are not alienated. (DK)

Reviews and often refutes positions concerning the nature of social studies. Focuses on how the social scientist relates to three commonly accepted elements of citizenship education: (1) knowledge, (2) participation, experience, and decision making, and (3) values and attitudes. Proposes an elimination of the barrier between social scientists and…

Software listed was evaluated on the basis of content relevance, variety of instructional strategies, exemplary use of computer for instruction, factual accuracy, evidence of skillful programing, and general "user friendliness." Compatibility with an Apple II+, 48K, was required. Materials for use in grades three through the college level are…

Discusses "Eyes on the Prize," a series of video programs on the history of the civil right movement. Describes the basic themes of the series including the movement as a force for democracy for all, ordinary people who carefully planned, organized and sustained the movement, and the continuity of protest in African-American history. (DK)

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…

Identifies experiential learning as an exceptional method for improving citizenship education. States that experiential activities are powerful motivators for high school students, they should be available to all students, and the needs of special populations (recent immigrants) be recognized. Advocates incentives for social studies achievement,…

Critiques the 1994 curriculum standards by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), "Expectation of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies," stating that there is a need for revised standards. Focuses on three main criticisms of the NCSS social studies standards. (CMK)

Argues for a viable discourse community of the social studies profession. Suggests that such a professional conversation is characterized by an engaging and authentic topic and skilled conversationalists of equal status. Recommends that the first questions to be addressed deal with the nature of value, reality, and knowledge. (DK)

Discusses the division within the social studies profession between the social studies theorists and the practitioners. Points out the complexity of citizenship as the foundation for social studies. Suggests that theorists need to engage in dialogue within their profession and with the practitioners. (SLM)

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…

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)

Recommends classroom activities and student projects designed to foster an interest in the news. Argues that student participation in active news gathering and interpretation will enable them to recognize news bias and emotional appeal. Suggests production of a newspaper, a newscast, an editorial, and assembly of a news review comparing news from…