Lists fundamental democratic concepts that make possible the sharing of educational ideas that foster democratic citizenship, and details how they are embodied in two programs: "We the People"...The Citizen and the Constitution, and "We the People"...Project Citizen. Describes how they are structured and have been adapted for curricula outside the…

Provides a selective, annotated bibliography of resources listed in the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database that relate specifically to civic education for democracy from a variety of international perspectives. Includes information about the ERIC system and how to obtain copies of materials cited in the bibliography. (DSK)

Compares and contrasts several models and approaches to citizenship education including those currently in use in Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Outlines the salient aspects of each approach including emphasis on skills or competencies, necessary knowledge for citizenship, and ideal conceptions of the nature of…

Argues that citizenship education must include an examination of the great issues of the times using active, critical teaching methods and reflective inquiry. Maintains that this is necessary to prevent political apathy in young people. Briefly discusses the history of social studies educational reform and the creation of national standards. (MJP)

Charts the rebirth of civics and citizenship education in Australia. Discusses the decline of interest in citizenship education during the 1960s and the educational and social influences leading to its renaissance. Examines the educational model proposed by the Civics Expert Group and extends this treatment to include more egalitarian concepts.…

Explores the unique features of Canadian history and society that influence the conception of Canadian citizenship. These include the historical development of Canada as a frontier crown territory, the search for an elusive national identity, the decentralized political structure, and the proximity to the United States. (MJP)

Uses the journalists' tool of "who,""what,""when,""where," and "why" to examine the nature of Canadian citizenship. Notes, in particular, the tradition of a "loyal subject" to the crown. Although largely symbolic, this tradition has engendered a respect for and obedience to the law of the land. (MJP)

Recommends using focus group interviews and other discussion techniques, generally used in business, to examine social studies issues. Outlines and discusses how these techniques (systems thinking, mental models, shared vision, team learning) can greatly enhance social studies instruction of current events and controversial issues. (MJP)

Summarizes the results of a study of 40 high school students with grade point averages of 2.5 or greater who had never received formal training in economics. The students worked on problems involving basic economic concepts including productivity, profits, opportunity costs, and supply and demand. Discusses their misconceptions. (MJP)

Offers a trenchant critique of Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg, both of whom claimed to identify stages in moral development that are "universal, culturally invariant, and nonregressive." Explains some inadequacies in these theories, which have become so influential in education, and offers suggestions for further investigation. (MJP)

Provides an annotated bibliography of materials from the ERIC database concerning citizenship education. The materials include monographs, academic research articles, conference papers, and articles from education magazines. Includes information on ordering and accessing these materials. (MJP)

Describes a teaching framework combining culturally sensitive and culturally specific perspectives to prepare students for cross-cultural clinical social work. Three components are (1) an overview of social constructivism; (2) exploration of culture and self to encourage openness to cultural diversity; and (3) a social-constructivist approach to…

Provides a theoretical framework for professional-values education in social work that incorporates personal, social, political, and professional values dimensions, each with explicit learning objectives and educational outcomes. The currently prevalent infusion model of values education clarifies values but does not help students integrate…

Discusses participatory action research, a methodology incorporating subjects in the research and indexing results to transformation in the lives of those involved. The approach is gaining momentum and recognition in academic circles but is often limited to specialized training centers. Two years of experience teaching this approach in social work…

A survey of 58 university-affiliated programs serving persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD) found that 74% were affiliated with a school of social work and identified types of and settings for MR/DD training opportunities. Results suggest that potential exists for creating and expanding such training relationships.…