This article reports on a study that asks how might an elections simulation influence students with strong polarizing political beliefs? The elections simulation asks students to take on roles as candidate teams, political party leaders, interest groups, and media outlets in a mock presidential election. Students not only learn about elections but…

To prepare students for effective citizenship, the author examines the Pledge of Allegiance and explores its meaning, history, and role in American history. The author includes quotes presenting different views of the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance and examples of pledges from different countries. Teachers are encouraged to have students examine their…

The relationship of democracy to the formal education of American students is examined. The author points out that schools, in teaching democracy, teach dogma without imparting much notion of practice. It is suggested that democracy cannot be taught in the classroom. What can be taught, however, is a manner of subordination. (SM)

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

This new curriculum project in the social studies is designed to draw upon a variety of sources, to have students gain political knowledge and skills in such a way that they are immediately applicable, to be a non-partisan, practical course. (Author/JB)

Based on an experimental classroom situation, a simulation and its results in thought control or brainwashing was conducted in teaching about comparative governments. (JR)

It is concluded that students have five knowledge distortions, each of which is discussed. Learning is viewed as a process of unlerarning and relearning. (SD)

Reviews the constraints on implementing an issue-centered approach to social studies education and argues that schools play an important role in socializing students into society. Concludes that advocates of new theories of social studies education must take into account the realities of contemporary school and society. (SLM)

Describes a lesson for junior high social studies which uses a comparison of research findings to teach students about international political socialization. Students answer questionnaires about their own attitudes and knowledge of international political socialization and then compare and contrast their responses to responses of American,…

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)

Contends that educational reform efforts have neglected the values of civic education and its implications for civic and social life. Asserts that this is not true in Europe where an increasing focus on the European dimension in education has a strong civic education component. (CFR)

Asserts that, although there is widespread agreement that civic education is a worthy educational goal, there is little agreement about its content or appropriate instructional methods. Maintains that effective moral education must involve discussion of substantive civic-moral issues and consideration of moral alternatives. Recommends using the…

Examines the challenge of educating increasing numbers of minority and impoverished students to produce effective citizens and future workers. Offers a lesson on reconceptualizing European westward expansion to analyze the social construction of knowledge. Argues that schools can and must help students think critically, deal with social and…

Fifty-five Schenectady, New York, high school seniors enrolled in a participation in government course served as members on a school budget review panel, attended a conference on state aid to public schools, and conducted a community survey during school budget elections. Explains survey design, administration, and results. Stresses political…