An author-study approach to children's literature provides students with a critical tool for text analysis. When students analyze an author's biography, interviews, and collection of work, they see writing as a powerful tool of personal expression. In this article, the author presents a week-to-week plan for analyzing multiple texts from one…

The major objective of the Improving Citizenship Education Project (ICE) of the Fulton County (Georgia) school system was to improve the knowledge and attitudes of K-12 students about political science and citizenship. The ICE program is described as a model for other school systems. (RM)

Five approaches to attitude change are discussed: classroom instructional models, role-playing, personal contact, media presentations, and social participation. How social studies teachers can use a combination of these approaches to improve student attitudes towards their peers who are handicapped is discussed. (RM)

Describes a lesson for junior high social studies which uses a comparison of research findings to teach students about international political socialization. Students answer questionnaires about their own attitudes and knowledge of international political socialization and then compare and contrast their responses to responses of American,…

In an effort to alter the attitudes of ninth-grade students in a social studies class, a unit on aging was developed and evaluated. Information is presented on various aspects of the unit, including lesson plans, audiovisual aids, pre- and posttest scores of experimental and control groups, and attitude changes as a result of participating in the…

Describes how to use student generated comments to motivate class discussion and curriculum change in high school modern European history courses. Explains a technique for improving student participation in the classroom through a technique (transactional evaluation) which involves introduction, comment generation, simple data processing, group…

Suggests that if the concept of genocide is not integrated into our mental and moral world, we become passive or active participants in processing people for destruction. Provides definitions of the terms genocide and holocaust and eight classroom strategies to help develop understanding. (Author/KC)

Presents four exercises to help secondary school social studies students understand the complex issues of the draft. Students participate in a mock draft lottery, analyze Phil Och's Draft Dodger Rag, examine how individual experiences affect attitudes, and compare writings by Bill Mauldin and Ron Kovic. (KC)

Suggests a unit to help students confront their misinformed perceptions of Asia. Students examine seven misconceptions: unchanging Asia, the spiritual East, the indistinct Asia, the inscrutable art of Asia, the unscientific Asian, oriental despotism, and modernization as Westernization. (Author/KC)

Proposes the establishment of a Center for Student Involvement to counteract apathy and cynicism of secondary school students toward the democratic processes. The center would serve social studies programs as a component linking the school with the community. It would function as a resource base, develop materials, and provide instruction. (KC)

Presents a measurement instrument to ascertain the readiness of students to deal with the inquiry process and suggests means to prepare them for inquiry. Data can serve as an indicator of students' attitudes towards teachers' questions and corresponding thought levels, and as an indirect expression of their feelings toward the inquiry approach.…

Focuses on the importance of teaching religion in U.S. history courses. Discusses problems that teachers encounter when teaching religion, addresses the issue of students resisting learning about religion in the history classroom, and explores how teachers can reduce this resistance. Includes references. (CMK)

Maintains that environmental education in New South Wales is supported as an interdisciplinary priority area. Describes an environmental education/social studies unit using children's literature. Describes six lessons and presents samples of student writing in response to assignments. (CFR)

Discusses growing concern about negative attitudes toward Japan and Japanese people among secondary school and college students. Describes the use of quality control circles to bridge the cultural divide. Reports on the success of the program and argues that teachers have a responsibility to promote cultural understanding and diversity. (CFR)

Argues that, although social studies classes should be exciting and interesting, students frequently rate them as among the most boring and irrelevant. Asserts that living history programs, including history theater, history immersion, and living history museums can improve history instruction and student attitudes. (CFR)