Questions how the goal of participatory citizenship can be taught within the typical classroom environment. Argues that the hidden curriculum, textbooks, and instructional methods do not provide opportunities to see citizenship in action or ways to practice it. Recommends providing students with choices and opportunities for engagement in some…

Reports on a study of 93 McMaster University (Ontario) sophomore history students about their secondary school preparation in history. Finds that most respondents felt comfortable about their high school education, but a significant number were uncomfortable with their preparation for tutorial work, notetaking, and essay writing. (CFR)

Describes the philosophy and operation of the Danish Tvind Schools, private schools supported in part by public funds. Explains how the curriculum involves student travel, participation in curriculum decision making, and school management. Reviews the implicit criticisms of traditional schooling that the experiences of the Tvind Schools…

Reviews the place of global education in the curriculum. Points out that global education's relationships to other subjects is still confused and that empirical research regarding its aims is weak. Contends that the growth of global education is dependent on more conceptual research and development. (CFR)

Questions whether current social studies curriculum units and learning activities contribute to the goals of citizenship education. Contends that student attitudes about citizenship are seldom affected by typical social studies instruction. Asserts that teachers must understand and accept larger educational goals and develop classroom activities…

Describes the philosophy and operation of schools based on the ideas of Celestin Freinet, founder of the Ecole Moderne movement. Discusses the child-centered approach, cooperative-learning techniques, and participatory decision making that are characteristic of these schools. Points out that the curriculum frequently emphasizes contemporary social…

Reviews "Standards for the Preparation of Social Studies Teachers," published by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Maintains that the document does not vary far from current practice and that it bases teacher preparation on content from history and social science courses. Argues that more emphasis on learning theory and clinical…

Reviews the "Curriculum Guidelines for Multicultural Education," revised and published by the National Council for the Social Studies in 1992. Finds that the guidelines emphasize the total school environment and do not depend on the social studies curriculum alone to teach about cultural diversity. Contends that Canadian educators and schools can…

Discusses language across the curriculum movement and its impact on current social studies teaching. Asserts that social studies as a form of literacy means being able to understand the world from multiple perspectives. Recommends that social studies teachers implement inquiry and language principles across the curriculum. (CFR)

Discusses the problem of violence against women in Canada. Argues that recent government efforts to address the problem deal with the symptoms only. Cites findings indicating that child and sexual abuse are among the foremost fears of Canadian girls. Concludes that society pays too little attention to violence against women. (DK)

Discusses political correctness and cultural politics in the schools. Questions whether concern over education's traditionally Eurocentric view justifies rejecting the curriculum. Observes that the issue of how teachers teach also has cultural implications. Suggests that the political correctness debate shows how long the road to cross-cultural…

Discusses the portrayal of women in Canadian history textbooks. Analyzes the extent of sex stereotyping in the books from the 1960s to the present. Suggests that the best way to address the problem is to meet it head on. Notes the failure of a Newfoundland teachers' group to win incorporation of a gender roles course into the curriculum. (SG)

Addresses the problem of bureaucratic control over what is taught and how in the classroom. Suggests that only by allowing classroom teachers to be part of curriculum decisions will public schools promote the growth of academic freedom and creative thinking. Argues that quality teaching is more important than political safety or obedient teachers.…

Examines recent developments related to the teaching of values in public schools. Maintains that the character education movement supports direct teaching of a set of core values designed to foster civic virtue. Discusses the "six pillars of character" being promoted in the United States by the Character Education Partnership. (CFR)

Asserts that, if current demographic trends continue, 25% of Canada's population will be 65-years old or older by the year 2031. Discusses the impact of these trends on public spending, health care, and other public policies. Concludes that sound planning and judicious use of resources can help prevent any compromises. (CFR)