Explores social education and the nature of social knowledge, focusing on reconstructivism, John Dewey's criticism of reconstructivism, the two developments that unraveled the reconstructionist counter-socialization argument, and the current emphasis in social education on the loss of respect for the core values and objective methods for…

Proposals for teaching concepts have been dominated by traditional paradigms. A review of research on concept structure and formation reveals evidence for alternative paradigms, e.g., exemplar, probabilistic, and schematic models. The research also indicates problems regarding the traditional models. Implications for relating alternative models to…

Thirty-seven social studies methods texts were examined to see how concept instruction was covered. Seven provided no guidance for instruction in social science concepts, and most did not provide sufficient information and guidelines, despite the considerable body of knowledge that stresses the importance of this area. (IS)

Takes the position that radical reconstructionism is a significant movement in the history of social education and that the radical reconstructionists have raised questions and made proposals which could enrich and expand the debate over how to define and rationalize the field. (Author/DB)

Outlines a reconstructionist rationale and focuses attention on the need for a philosophy of education to embody a theory of social criticism. It also emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary analysis of major social issues, especially in terms of their economic dimension, and attempts to define the purpose and role of social educators…