Teaching Civic Education to Learners through Best Practices

Abstract

This paper is a deliberate effort aiming at sensitising teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders on the basic objectives of civic education in its introduction into senior secondary school curriculum and the need to obtain full potentials for constructivist theory in teaching and learning of the relatively new subject. The introduction of civic education to Nigerian senior secondary school was directed at cultivating and developing in learners the skills and attitudes to function as relevant citizens of their society. The writer noted that the teaching of civic education in Nigeria is yet to achieve the purpose of which the subject was introduced. Among the objectives of civic education is to highlight the responsibilities of the government to the people and vice-versa and to also cultivate in students of senior secondary school their duties and obligations to the society. Curriculum experts have certain roles to play in integrating standard into curriculum by developing a curriculum framework. Onus of implementing civic education curriculum lies in the efforts and determination of qualified teachers, these categories of teachers are those who has chosen and are convinced that teaching is their calling, and are ready to serve their country in that capacity. The type of teaching expected from these teachers should help the students emerge with an understanding of their country's history and most cherished values. This is to say that learning experience must allow the students to practically demonstrate what civic education has taught them in any situation.

Primary sources, simulations and peanut butter and jelly

“…The engagement, participation and motivation we see from students during this simulation corresponds directly with what the literature states in regards to simulations bringing history to life for students (Balogun and Yusuf, 2019; Dicamillo and Gradwell, 2013; Parker et al ., 2017; Schweber, 2003; Worthington, 2018; Wright-Maley, 2015). Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from this simulation is students learning that it is not sufficient to be passive receivers of knowledge when examining primary and secondary sources, but rather they must learn to think historically and actively inquire about the historical source they are working with.…”

“…Simulations bring real-world situations into a new setting for understanding and explanation. According to Balogun and Yusuf (2019), simulations are primarily used for “teaching concepts and principles that are not easily observable such as theoretical concepts” (p. 43). This technique allows students to take on roles, different ways of thinking and experience a character/situation that may be completely foreign from anything they have known (Balogun and Yusuf, 2019).…”

“…According to Balogun and Yusuf (2019), simulations are primarily used for “teaching concepts and principles that are not easily observable such as theoretical concepts” (p. 43). This technique allows students to take on roles, different ways of thinking and experience a character/situation that may be completely foreign from anything they have known (Balogun and Yusuf, 2019). “Simulations present a public stage on which curriculum, instruction and learning can occur under conditions of dramatic artifice” (Parker et al ., 2018, p. 256).…”

“…“Simulations present a public stage on which curriculum, instruction and learning can occur under conditions of dramatic artifice” (Parker et al ., 2018, p. 256). By utilizing these simulations in the social studies classroom, history can come alive and bring relevance for students (Balogun and Yusuf, 2019; Dicamillo and Gradwell, 2013; Parker et al ., 2018; Schweber, 2003; Worthington, 2018).…”

The Strategy of Civics Education Teachers in Strengthening the Character of Responsibility During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Civics education learning in schools aims to build and develop the character of students to become a good citizen in accordance with the noble values of Pancasila. Balogun & Yusuf [14] explained that civics education is a subject whose job is to equip the younger generation to have the values of responsibility, loyalty and accountability. Through civics education, values about national and state life are taught to the younger generation.…”