The Role of Pedagogical Space in Nurturing Future Civic Engagement: An Examination of Three Schools

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

Abstract

This study looked at how schools integrate curricular, physical, experiential, cognitive, and perceptual pedagogical spaces, in order to provide authentic spheres for learning about and participating in civic life. Fifth grade classrooms in three settings — a general enrollment public school, a university lab school, and a selective enrollment, public school choice setting emphasizing outdoor education — to determine the extent to which they exhibit qualities associated with promoting civic involvement. Schools exhibiting the strongest potential for nurturing future engagement were those with the most curricular autonomy, and that provided opportunities for genuine social engagement and problem-solving. Factors that hindered civic-minded development were excess attention to academic preparation, lack of student decision-making opportunities and few opportunities for social involvement.

Authors

• Rick A. Breault, Missouri State University

• Donna A. Breault, Missouri State University