In democratic societies the level of citizens' civic engagement and inclusion in all forms of democratic participation is crucial in maintaining social cohesion and a vibrant democracy. In the historical development of Canada's demographic, political, socio-economic and cultural systems, immigration continues to play an influential role. Our paper…

Describes a humanities approach to teaching and strategies for implementing a humanities program in the social studies. Discusses implementation strategies in general and provides an example of a grade 7 humanities unit. Concludes by suggesting means for generating support for a humanities approach within the school and community. (DSK)

Discusses Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of thinking skills and applies concepts from this framework to social studies instruction. Attempts to connect all six levels of Bloom's taxonomy to social studies instruction and assessment. Provides a concrete example of an instructional method that integrates the multiple stages of cognition described by…

Argues that the current presentations of "nationalism" in the Alberta social studies curriculum are archaic and irrelevant. Proposes a more inclusive and critical definition of nationalism and provides some supporting references. Includes four student assignments illustrating and teaching this revised approach to nationalism. (MJP)

Characterizes economist John Maynard Keynes as immoral, decadent, and short sighted. Criticizes his economic theories for manifesting these same qualities and claims that these theories hold predominant sway over high school economics education. Mentions several supposedly biased passages from textbooks but provides no examples. (MJP)

Highlights the main points of Newfoundland's," A Curriculum Framework for Social Studies: Navigating the Future." Examines the document's development, theoretical foundations, content, and applications. The Framework stresses historical, geographical, economic, cultural, political-legal, global, and technological literacy. (MJP)

Examines the theoretical base of New Brunswick's recent social studies curriculum reform. New Brunswick defines its curriculum in terms of understandings, competencies, and dispositions (emphasizing independent, creative, and critical learning). Expounds on social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active. (MJP)

Demonstrates the similarities between the social studies curricula of Quebec and other Canadian provinces. Examines these in the context of criticisms that Quebec's curricula is divisive and chauvinistic. Refutes these charges and maintains that Quebec's emphasis on local history is no greater than that of other districts. (MJP)

Attempts to sort out and address many of the issues, controversies, and concerns surrounding Ontario's adoption of a common curriculum. Finds confusion and factionalism on both sides exacerbated by a preponderance of jargon. Identifies and defines key features of the common curriculum. (MJP)

Describes the political machinations resulting in Manitoba's downgrading of Canadian history from a compulsory to an elective subject. Argues that this reflects a broader nationwide educational trend rejecting the humanities in favor of science and technology. Criticizes a view of society dominated by market forces and self-interest. (MJP)

Compares and contrasts the social studies curricula in two Canadian provinces. Saskatchewan has adopted a student-centered approach emphasizing transformative knowledge and transactional strategies. Alberta is focusing more on knowledge acquisition and traditional assessment. Considers the reasons for these differences and proposes some directions…

Portrays the current social studies curriculum reform in British Columbia as a process hampered by disagreements over the input and participation of teachers. Charts the deterioration of this process culminating in the British Columbia Social Studies Teachers' Association's withdrawal from the process. (MJP)

Advocates a broader and more flexible conceptualization of the Canadian social studies curriculum, emphasizing thematic and interdisciplinary approaches rather than chronology and topics. Praises the reflective inquiry teaching model that adopts a learner-centered approach. Compares social studies to other curricula in an attempt to discover a new…

Discusses the design, implementation, and rationale for an international education component in Botswanan secondary schools. Maintains that sustained development requires that students learn the interconnection of cultural, economic, political, and technological systems. Includes a breakdown of main topics with corresponding notes and comments.…

Describes five classroom activities or projects used in Canadian social studies classes. Includes discussions of the use of artifacts, a field trip to Spain, a simulation of the Earth Summit meeting, and the application of mahatma Gandhi's philosophy to current problems. (CFR)