Suggests how the study of psychology can help adolescents achieve positive self-concepts and refine their value systems in such a way that they will increase their feelings of empathy and good will toward others as they become active in the political process. Specifically, it explains how psychology can contribute to personal growth and…

Presents results of a study undertaken to compare contents of Polish primary school books from two historical periods--1938 and 1976-78. The objective was to relate books from the two periods to the respective ideological and constitutional bases of the socio-political systems they represented. Findings indicated the content of books from the two…

Explores the design, purpose, and experiences of the Improving Citizenship Education Project (ICE) which is currently being used by elementary and secondary social studies classroom teachers in Fulton County, Georgia, to contribute to civic and political awareness of students and prepare them for responsibilities of democratic citizenship. (DB)

Describes a project to stimulate international understanding among preschool and primary school children in Finland. Specific objectives include to stimulate commitment to human rights, increase self-confidence among pupils, give students a realistic view of the world, and help students become aware of increasing global interdependence. (DB)

Decreasing emphasis on the environment in outdoor and adventure education is resulting in ecologically less knowledgeable participants. It is critical that the environment continue to be part of these programs for three reasons: citizenship and stewardship; empathy and counterbalancing a narcissistic focus on thrills; and opportunities to get in…

Provides the goals of participative citizenship education that Ohio Council for the Social Studies formulated around definition of citizenship education offered by Ohio Department of Education. States it is important for statewide proficiency examinations to enhance rather than negate the approach adopted. Identifies eight objectives of…

States that political education must represent the relationship between three entities: human being (liberty), citizenship (equality), and membership (unity). Analyzes Erich Weniger's theory of political education with respect to its peculiarities and its significance for a general theory of democracy. Relates Weniger's concept to fundamental…

Surveys the purpose and goals of education in U.S. society, exploring the relationship between power and knowledge. Evaluates educational reform against the criteria of human dignity and meaning, outlining conditions for developing students who understand the power of knowledge and the purpose of education in a democratic republic. (GEA)

Argues that current school reform efforts are driven by workforce preparation concerns, limiting schools' ability to prepare students for participation in democratic citizenship. Links democracy and the construction of knowledge, proposing a "pedagogy of conversation" to move students beyond personal experience as a basis of knowledge through…

The current school choice debate reflects inevitable tensions between private and public education goals. Dramatic social geographic shifts since World War II may have changed the meaning of "private" and "public" so that a new public-private arrangement has evolved. This article discusses the origin of "private citizenship," identifies its key…

Reviews the articles appearing in this issue. Points out the relationship between justice and tolerance for minority groups and citizenship education. Cautions against government use of education to discourage critical reflection on societal issues. (CFR)

Interrogates the prevailing concept of the state as a regulative idea. Introduces Michel Foucault's notion of "governmentality" and investigates how it has historically been linked to education and to the Scandinavian "Caring State." Explores changing tasks of education and the nature of social contracts that could correspond…

As a pedagogy for citizenship, academic service learning offers students the opportunity to experience and reflect on how citizens organize to bring their communities and their country closer to democracy. The three-course Democracy Project at Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania) illustrates how this approach can be developed within a college…

The difference between charity and change provides an important conceptual distinction for those analyzing service-learning curricula and learning objectives. In the moral domain, service-learning activities tend toward giving or caring; in the political domain, such activities can embrace either civic duty or social reconstruction; in the…

Social change in the United States has prompted frequent observations that civic values, attitudes, and conduct are in a state of disrepair. One of the most often mentioned solutions to this problem is a resurgence of informed civic responsibility. A responsible citizen of a democratic society is interpreted as one who believes in the worth of the…