Overlooked? The Extracurricular Club as a Site for Civic Learning and Experience

• In Event: Roundtable Session 84
  In Roundtable Session: Democratic Citizenship in Education Paper Discussion 2

Abstract

This study set out to investigate the potential of participation in extra curricular clubs and societies to explore their value as a site for civic learning. It was carried out comparatively using two data sets, one in England and one in Florida with student’s aged 15-19 and teaching staff. The study utilised a mixed methodology to include surveying, group interview and a yearlong ethnography in the US. The findings suggest that participation in extra curricular activities at school is a valuable learning environment with distinct opportunities to develop a wider range of skills beneficial to democratic society. Participation also enhances a student’s personal efficacy, which arguably has an effect on a student’s ability to participate in formal civic life.

Author

• Claire Elizabeth Crawford, Cardiff University