Briefly reviews recent innovations in economics instruction including simulations and materials from the Internet. Provides an annotated bibliography of relevant citations from the ERIC database. Noted materials include journal articles, research reports, articles on how to find information, and discussions about the Internet. (MJP)

Addresses some of the frustration felt by Canada's indigenous Indian population regarding the lack of attention afforded them in recent federal elections. Discusses Indian reaction to the Canadian Government's White Paper on Aboriginal peoples. Canadian natives felt this document actually represented a step backward in their struggle for equality.…

Examines the topic of character education, with specific references to the Fall 1996 National Council on the Social Studies (NCSS) Position Statement on Character Education. The NCSS emphasized the connection between character education and citizenship education and recommended that both be integrated into curriculum and instruction. (MJP)

Discusses the recent plethora of Web sites that are sponsored by racist organizations in Canada. The Canadian Human Rights Commission is exploring whether they have jurisdiction over some of these activities according to the Canadian Human Rights Act. Briefly profiles some of the groups and their activities. (MJP)

Delineates some of the general objectives and goals of citizenship-education programs being proposed throughout Canada. These offer an ongoing dynamic program of education in history, government, and ethics, with the aim of instilling in youth a willingness to think about the problems facing our society. (MJP)

Notes that the law of competitive advantage, quoted so frequently in support of the global economy, mandates a uniformity of agricultural and economic products. Argues that this systematically selects against the biodiversity of life and reduces nature's capacities to adapt and reproduce in changing biological conditions. (MJP)

Reports on a 1996 Ministry of Education study on the teaching of history in Quebec. Criticizes the study for perpetuating leftist biases in favor of multiculturalism and globalization while censuring the study of Western civilization as evidence of Eurocentrism. Discusses the implications of, and reactions to, the government report. (MJP)

Argues that attempts to incorporate critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction have been negligible. Outlines a framework for effectively helping students to become better thinkers that utilizes a model from the Critical Thinking Cooperative. The model considers such pedagogical factors as background knowledge, habits of mind, and…

Reviews some of the basic tenets of critical thinking as it applies to social studies, especially those articulated in Roland Case's and Ian Wright's article, "Taking Seriously the Teaching of Critical Thinking." Praises the article but suggests that it would be improved by tightening the central focus. (MJP)

Describes two classroom activities that introduce critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction. One is a debate, followed by position papers, on the contribution of Christopher Columbus. The other is a simulation of a Constitutional Amendment conference. Discusses which parts of the lessons specifically focus on critical-thinking…

Presents a lesson plan that utilizes a document presented by students to the President of the University of Alberta in 1930. The document lists the prices (with increases) for food and other commodities and concludes with a succinct analysis of why students are moving off campus. (MJP)

Maintains that Canada's expansive geography, endless, uninhabited coastlines, and long border make it vulnerable as an entry point for illegal drugs. Briefly reviews recent revelations regarding increased drug use and money laundering. Recommends stiffening current drug laws and increasing spending for education and rehabilitation. (MJP)

Reviews the moral issues and political circumstances of the Holocaust. Identifies four prototypical participants and discusses their role and actions in terms of personal decisions. These are: Victims, Perpetrators, Bystanders, and Activists. Concludes with a call for individuals to examine their own efforts at combatting bigotry and hatred. (MJP)

Presents an interesting metaphorical critique of the current enthusiasm for the global market and the free market system. Delineates 10 defining principles of a fundamentalist theological doctrine and then suggests replacing the term "global market" with "Supreme Ruler." Criticizes free market capitalism as being occasionally irrational and…

Asserts that, in the social studies classroom, students' participation in language activities in which form, function, and audience are varied is a crucial dimension of their becoming effective citizens. Includes a table listing linguist Michael Halliday's seven purposes of language accompanied by classroom examples of each. (MJP)