Certain Characteristics Of Citizens PDF Download

This study indicates that despite widely different political worldviews, personal backgrounds, and stated perspectives on what it means to be a good citizen, certain specific conceptions of good citizenship are shared among social studies teachers. In addition, this study suggests that teacher conceptions of good citizens are not necessarily significantly different from those presented in typical social studies textbooks, despite stated teacher concerns that these texts may pose an obstacle to effective instruction. Understanding how teachers may view the characteristics of good citizens, and what views are shared among teachers of differing backgrounds and worldviews, may help future social studies educators reflect deeper on how they view the role of the good citizen within the American political system and to explore whether unknown prejudices may prevent quality civic instruction. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to consider whether textbooks, so important in a great deal of social studies education at all levels, truly meet the needs of honest and critical civic instruction.