This autobiographical piece of collaborative discensus (Gershon, 2008; Gershon, Peel & Bilinovich, 2009) presents the authors' interwoven perspectives about the challenges they faced as they talked about race in a pre-service social studies class. Their work here serves two main purposes. First it is an opportunity for a teacher and two former…

Contends that many educators believe that social studies as a subject does not have a future in Canadian schools systems. Asserts that social studies is essential and must address four critical areas to actualize its potential for attaining citizenship goals: content, critical thinking, community action, and caring. (CMK)

Contends that integrating children's literature into the social studies classroom makes social studies content relevant, brings history to life, fosters the development of social studies skills, facilitates understanding of abstract concepts, and provides students with role models. Offers guidelines for choosing children's literature and…

Asserts that when people use the cliches "Remember" and "Never Again" in reference to the Holocaust, they must step back and realize that genocide has been perpetuated time and again since 1945. Provides activities that stress contemporary acts of genocide when studying the Holocaust in order to understand these terms. (CMK)

Contends that students should learn about the role of women in Canadian history through research-based projects that focus on the lives of unknown and famous unknown women and that emphasize primary sources and media as important resources. Provides a number of activities that can be adapted for elementary or secondary students. (CMK)

Criticizes the use of map coloring as an activity for teaching geography. Acknowledges that many teachers use it because it was how they were taught. Argues that children are inherently interested in geography and can be taught geographic skills in elementary school if the materials are presented well prepared. (DSK)

Suggests that geography instruction is an ideal opportunity for reinforcing culture and identity among First Nations people. Discusses the issue of culture and some sources of opposition to teaching culture on Indian reserves. Points to themes that can subtly integrate cultural lessons with geography lessons. (DSK)

Discusses contemporary, dichotomous views of markets: the global market is "good"; other (more local) markets are bad. Argues that nonglobal markets are viewed as obstacles to the global market that must be removed, despite their roots in local cultures and provision of services not available in the global market. (DSK)

Comments on several biographies of and articles about Pope John Paul II. Argues that he has been the most ecclesiastically consequential pontiff in centuries, revitalizing the church by crafting an evangelical Catholic response to the 21st century crisis of modernity. Suggests that the Pope should be the "man of the century." (DSK)

Ponders where religion fits into public education and whether religious corporations should be kept out of public schools. Concludes that the moral principles found in religion should be taught through exploration of world religions only if the instruction is informed and adheres to ultimate principles and values by which to live. (CMK)

Identifies differences between Canada Native religions and Christianity in order to explore the true definition of spirituality. Believes that nature should be considered the equal of humans and deems the natural world as sacred. Concludes that students in social studies classrooms should learn about Native perspectives to help them understand…

Draws on the author's experience and research to explore how strong ideological beliefs impact social studies teaching in religious schools. Suggests a concerted effort by teachers in religious schools, in particular Mennonite schools, to reflect the ethos of the school. Describes the experience of teaching in a religious school. (CMK)

Highlights Canada's high marks in a poll on its international image in 20 countries. Asks how Canada should take advantage of its positive international image. Notes areas where Canadian foreign policy is most admired: advancement of global peace and human rights, provision of aid, and participation in international peacekeeping. (DSK)

Critiques a survey of Canadian citizens' civics knowledge for its "Trivial Pursuit" style of questions and the conclusions drawn from the results by the survey sponsors. Argues that a responsible democratic citizenry must display higher cognitive skills than factual recall and that these skills are not measured by the survey. (DSK)

Criticizes the University of Toronto for its links to businesses deemed unsavory by the author. Places these academic-corporate links within a general framework of integration between Canada's leading educational and business institutions. Questions an educational system that appears to the author to have wealth generation as its highest goal.…