Contends that citizenship and democracy are two of the most overused words in social studies classrooms. Maintains that schools must walk a tightrope between those fostering patriotic attitudes and those fostering critical-mindedness and protest. Includes four suggestions for critical thinking in social studies. (CFR)

Asserts that preparing students to be rational decision makers in a democracy and productive participants in the economy are major goals of education. Argues social studies education must provide opportunities for analysis and decision making related to current major issues. Identifies the National Issues Forum in the Classroom program as an…

Argues that European schools must begin to deal with the issue of citizenship education in light of the emergence of the European Community. Concludes that both preservice and inservice teacher training will be critical to success efforts to promote European citizenship. (CFR)

The history of political education is coincident with the history of republican political theory. The basic elements of classical republican theory of government were that sovereignty resided in the people and that authority was exercised through representative institutions. Only populations which possessed republican virtues--respect for law and…

This paper examines four major research studies spanning approximately 45 years which provide solid evidence that democratic schooling is possible and is an extremely important factor in the education of young citizens for a democratic society. The objectives, methodology, limitations, and results of each study are examined. From the studies, the…

As is true in all societies, the American schooling process is a formalized effort designed to induct the individual into his/her society. During the course of the 1930s', through the 1940's, and on into the cold war years of the 1950's, a great emphasis was placed on citizenship education; a societal desire to have all American youth…

The accredited course "Understanding Our Legal and Political World" was developed by the Victoria Law Foundation after a 1994 national survey into awareness of civics in Australia confirmed the need for basic political literacy programs at all levels of instruction, including adult education. To date, the course has been offered by a…

Reports on a staff development project for in-service teachers from former East German states. Describes the project's background, previous in-service teacher education, and the project's organization. Concludes that economic difficulties and the rise of neo-Nazism makes it imperative for German teachers to develop democratic values. (CFR)

This teacher's guide corresponds to the textbook "American Political Behavior" and provides resource materials and teaching suggestions. There is a lesson plan for each lesson in the course. The textbook tries to capture the vitality and drama of politics through the use of cases that describe the political activities of typical citizens…

Citizenship education is examined by 17 authors in this edited volume. Most of the papers were originally prepared for a 1979 colloquium on behavior variables relating to citizen education, particularly school governance and classroom climate. Articles are presented in two major sections. In section one, the three papers are entitled,…

This paper describes and evaluates a citizenship education project for elementary and secondary schools. The specific purpose of the project was to develop and test a model to improve political knowledge and attitudes of students by systematically infusing political/citizenship education into existing elementary and secondary social studies…

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

Describes the Somalia Nomad Education Program. States that social studies is the core of the program which has a primary goal of developing national unity. Discusses successful features of the program and its vulnerability to political and economic events. (CFR)

This report presents essays from a symposium held in the Netherlands in 1986 whose purpose was to study the theme: values in higher education. The symposium addressed the issue of cultural continuity and the importance of awareness of how higher education is developing and cultural values are maintained. Among the symposium's presentations are the…

A realistic and challenging teaching of civics is needed in an age of increased concern of man for his fellow men. Textbooks are inadequate because of their emphasis on conclusions and judgments. Controversial issues must be submitted to critical research and critical thinking in the classroom. To promote understanding the uniqueness of American…