Epistemic Frames for Democratic Education in the Digital Age

• In Event: 61.086 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 61.086-6 - Roundtable 2

Abstract

This paper applies the concepts of epistemic frames and epistemic games (Shaffer, 2006) from learning sciences as a model for democratic education in the digital age. Using epistemic frames based on professional practices provides a more dynamic and authentic model for simulations that promote the skills, knowledge, and values for active democratic citizenship than traditional classroom simulations based in textbook knowledge or models of pedagogy based on academic disciplines. They also promote knowledge and skills that align with the goals of the Civic Mission for Schools, C3 Social Studies Inquiry Frameworks, and media literacy. Three epistemic frames of professional practices are then developed and presented as potential models for epistemic games: news media producer/reporter, documentary filmmaker, and political media consultant.

Author

• Jeremy D. Stoddard, College of William and Mary