This study surveyed Australian high school students' conceptions of democracy. Students held that equal shares, equal say, equal quality, and rewarding productivity were essential to the democratic processes but emphasized them differently when presented with actual problems to solve democratically. (AM)

Describes a study which asked 1,000 American high school seniors to explain what they understood by the term "democracy." Findings showed large proportions of the students had some idea of what it meant, but they had difficulty in applying democratic principles to the solution of political conflict situations. (Author/CK)

This curriculum module for students in grades 7-12 focuses on the subject of tolerance. The lessons provide students with opportunities to develop knowledge about issues and events of intergroup relations, increase student awareness of the dynamics of intolerance, and help students build a framework for developing their thinking about these…

This curriculum module for students in grades 9-12 focuses on the United Nations (UN) peace action plan evolving as a partnership between Cambodia and the UN. The eight lessons provide students with varied opportunities for hands-on experiences. Divided into four sections, section 1, "Lesson", includes: (1) "Peacemakers"; (2)…

This newsletter essay explores the conflicts between individual values and community values and efforts to resolve these conflicts under the U.S. Constitution. The paper includes five sections: (1) Introduction; (2) Value Conflicts and the Constitution; (3) Making Value Conflicts Relevant to Students; (4) For Example: The Indiana University…

Students, grades 7 through 9, will examine and hopefully gain understanding of the process for effecting change within the structure of a Democratic society in this quinmester course of study. Focus is upon the reasons, limits, methods, and effectiveness of American dissent bringing about social change. The responsibility of citizenship in a…

This curriculum guide, designed for the quinmester system, is an aide to secondary grade teachers as they plan instructional programs, and takes into account students' needs, available resources, and other factors. Objectives of this course of study are for the student to understand the causes and issues that led to the Civil War, the course and…

This paper analyzes a study designed to determine if students understand the concept of democracy and can apply democratic principles. It also compares the study with related investigations conducted in Europe and calls for improved teaching to make the concept of democracy comprehensible. In 1974, 1,000 high school seniors in Pennsylvania…