Effective Civics Education Pedagogy and Programs: A Systematic Review

• In Event: 66.062 - Democratic Citizenship in Education SIG Paper Session #2

Abstract

We systematically review the empirical research literature, theory, and commentary on civics education pedagogy in Western democracies and particularly the United States. The authors maintain that the implementation of effective civics education is both complex and irregularly studied. Upon reviewing 95 non-duplicate articles in full, we find a general consensus that more active, experiential, and relevant civics education is needed. We argue more research, both qualitative and quantitative, is required to confirm desired civics pedagogy. Teacher training for democratic classrooms, community and school integration, and curriculum with global and multicultural scope are also recommended.

Authors

• Elena Maker, Brown University

• Alison Klebanoff Cohen, University of California - Berkeley

• Jason C. Fitzgerald, Wagner College

• Alexander Pope, Salisbury University