Suggests that investigation of contemporary problems be included in social studies/citizenship education programs and stresses the relevance of contemporary problems to social studies curricula for slow learners. Literature pertaining to citizenship education is reviewed, and research to determine effects of a study of contemporary issues on…

A successful program was designed to increase the self-esteem of slow learners in secondary social studies classes. Aspects intended to affect self-esteem were: (1) the suitability of the method; (2) the intellectually challenging material and activities; and (3) the anticipated positive feedback from significant others. (Authors/JN)

The Freedoms Scale was developed to assess the attitudes of slow learning and nonacademic secondary students in Canada toward democratic values, and, in particular, toward civil liberties. Vignettes were developed around situations describing threats to an individual or group's constitutional rights. Students were asked how they feel (e.g.,…