29.083 - New Directions in Research on Civic Knowledge and Practice

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium centers on current qualitative, mixed-methodological, and theoretical inquiries in civic development, converging around common threads of youth civic knowledge and practice. Papers address the following topics: (1) young children’s civic mindfulness, as represented in consensus-building dialogues; (2) the interactions of political activity simulations with adolescents’ civic identities; (3) immigrant youth’s positioning for civic action via social studies coursework; and (4) the precarious disciplinary grounds for studying learners’ political thinking and discourse. Presenters also will discuss challenges associated with conducting their research. After the discussant responds to the papers and those challenges, panelists will facilitate discussion among audience members about the promises and vexations associated with studying youth civic knowledge and practice.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Social Studies Research

Chair

• Kevin W. Meuwissen, University of Rochester

Papers

• Civic Mindfulness via Consensus-Building Dialogue: The Interplay of Young Children's Stance and Performance - Jennifer H. James, University of Georgia

• Adolescents Developing Identities as Citizens: Simulations and Role-Play in a Civics Classroom - Jane C Lo, Florida State University

• Realizing the Civic Potential of Immigrant Youth: Fulfilling the Purpose of Social Studies - Kathryn M. Obenchain, Purdue University; Rebecca M. Callahan, The University of Texas - Austin

• Where Do We Go From Where? Elusive Disciplinary Grounds for Defining Young People's Political Thinking - Kevin W. Meuwissen, University of Rochester

Discussant

• Diana E. Hess, University of Wisconsin