Provides a summary of postmodernist thinking and attempts to find a place for social studies in a system that abjures all accepted notions of authority and objectivity. Concludes that postmodernism's view of a world ruled by a multiple discourses is not inimical to social studies' emphasis on critical analysis. (MJP)

Challenges citizenship educators to be more cognizant of the social and communitarian aspects of democratic citizenship. Explores engagement with children's literature and development of a classroom creed as two ways to actively engage children in citizenship roles. Includes an interview with a participating teacher. (MJP)

Asks the question: To what can teachers realistically expect students to be committed in the field of citizenship education when governments are consistently cutting back on their own involvement in public life? Concludes that principles of community and social justice remain valid and relevant to young people. (MJP)

Defines the educational practice of deep ecology as utilizing a social action framework to teach students how to take action on behalf of the communities of flora, fauna, and people. Discusses the theories that form the basis for this movement and specifically addresses how this can be applied to citizenship education. (MJP)

Presents a brief annotated bibliography of seven resources addressing citizenship education cited in the ERIC database. The sources are primarily educational journal articles which consider the impact and use of citizenship education in various curricula and formats. Includes information for ordering copies of the articles. (MJP)

Asserts that social studies often emphasizes abstract concepts illustrated with obscure historical references. Argues that the introduction of feminist issues of social justice, exploitation, violence, and power can galvanize many of the central issues of social studies. Considers the use of language and how it restricts and validates certain…

Maintains that citizenship education is an important aspect of the philosophy of Nigerian education. Describes the role and growth of citizenship education from the precolonial period to the present. Provides suggestions on how to make citizenship education in Nigeria more effective. (CFR)

Maintains that, although the ERIC system was established for U.S. educators, it has become an international database. Asserts there is more interest in Canada among U.S. social studies educators than many Canadians may think. Provides an annotated bibliography of 11 ERIC documents and articles dealing with Canadian studies. (CFR)

Examines recent developments related to the teaching of values in public schools. Maintains that the character education movement supports direct teaching of a set of core values designed to foster civic virtue. Discusses the "six pillars of character" being promoted in the United States by the Character Education Partnership. (CFR)

Reviews 12 books related to social studies education in Canada. Includes history and geography textbooks, supplementary materials for student reading, descriptions of effective schools, and recommended instructional strategies for social studies teachers. (CFR)

Discusses student responses to a fourth grade teacher's efforts to engage students in social action. Indicates that most students felt they could be passive good citizens and that social action would fail anyway. Argues that schools need to promote active citizenship. Examines an alternative model of citizenship education that promotes individual…

Discusses the plan to restructure northern Quebec's landscape through the James Bay hydroelectric project. Suggests that the project offers opportunities to study development versus preservation, federal versus provincial powers, and the conflict between business and Native communities. Explores the need to teach students to care about social…

Describes the community participation facet of the eleventh-grade social studies curriculum for British Columbia. Proposes a four-stage model to identify, study, and propose recommendations about a community issue or problem. Suggests that social action based on empirical research improves social studies instruction. (CFR)

Presents a critique of an article by Chuck Chamberlin arguing for a political action model of social studies instruction in elementary schools. Suggests 10 reasons why this approach may not be advisable. Argues that Chamberlin's suggestions lean heavily on a U.S. study that may not be relevant to Canadian society. (DK)

Argues that a social action model of citizenship education is mandated by two principles of democracy: consent of the governed and equal opportunity for participation in governance. Emphasizes the importance of a sense of political efficacy. Argues that wealthier children learn this at home, but children from poorer families need this experience…