It is virtually impossible to find a U.S. civics or government textbook that does not cite Thomas Jefferson's faith in a well-educated citizenry as the great defense against tyranny. It is also common to open a U.S. history textbook for middle or high school students and find a reference to Jefferson and the value he put on education. Because the…

A democratic constitutional system is one in which the majority has a general right to determine public policy. At the same time, however, the rights of that majority are limited. Individual citizens enjoy "certain basic rights" by virtue of the fact that each individual person "is a human being." If schools are to prepare students to be…

Argues that school service programs involving students in volunteer community efforts should be included in democratic citizenship education. Suggests that encouraging cooperation through volunteer service combats corrosive and anti-democratic effects of excessive individualism. Lists six characteristics of effective programs, compiled by…

The need for relevant objectives and sound evaluation in the social studies is discussed. (SD)

Traces the state educational program which at all levels aimed at the self-realization of the German race." (DB)

In response to the perceived uneasiness about the state of citizenship education in public schools, the article focuses on various studies and reports on political illiteracy, examines the isolation of most social studies programs from the community, views the role of students in the community, and recommends that students be more actively…

Stresses the importance of recognizing bias in written language (often referred to as critical thinking/reading) and suggests activities to help elementary school social studies teachers improve their bias recognition skills. A multiple choice quiz is presented in which teachers are directed to analyze bias in quotations from newspapers and social…

In social studies literature, the recurring answer to questions regarding the ultimate professional goal of social studies educators has been the aim of fostering good citizenship. The problem is defining what constitutes good citizenship, and this concern is at the core of what divides social studies educators. In this article, the author…

Those factors which motivate citizens to define themselves as first" or second" class are realistically discussed and alternatives to the present trends in the role of American citizenship are suggested. (JB)

Values are unavoidable in every school and in the very fabric of the social studies content. Values education, in its various forms, should be an integral part of social studies and citizenship education. (RM)

Explains the relevance of a global approach for social studies, identifies ways in which teachers can cooperate to bring a global perspective to social studies, and lists major global concepts, including interdependence, interrelatedness, use of resources, international monetary systems, environmental deterioration, technological change, and…

Describes a small group activity for grades 5 and above which emphasizes group decision making. The activity, a decision-grid process, is designed for four participants per group. The specific model presented focuses on community services and values. A bibliography of relevant resources is provided. (KC)

Presents study results of the effects of studying social studies in the lower grades on high school students' performance in government classes. Explains that the relationship between social studies and government was examined and the adequacy of social studies as preparation for studying government. Concludes that achievement in social studies…

In 1960, Shirley Engle published an article in "Social Education," entitled "Decision Making: The Heart of Social Studies Instruction," that he hoped would end the conflict over a definition of social studies. He argued that social studies instruction should emphasize decision making in two senses: first, as a decision about the meaning of data…