Teaching for Civic Competence

April 9, 2012

Guest Speaker: John Wheeler

Iowa Bar Association

Quickwrite

The original intent of public schooling was to create an educated citizenry. Is this still one of the roles of school today? What is your role as a teacher in civic competence? Provide an example of how you plan to do this.

Civic Competence

It’s an attitude!

“Requires that we understand important social issues, participate in dialogues and conversations about public social life, volunteer and serve in public roles, and take action when problems demand our involvement.”

How do we teach this?

Examples of Elementary Focus of Civic Education

Setting class rules

Establishing “fairness”

Teaching patriotism (National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance)

Teaching national symbols such as the Statue of Liberty, the Eagle, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, etc.

Teaching citizenship roles and responsibilities

Discussion of current events, social issues

Getting to Civic Competence

Conversation: Casual talking

Discussion: Talking guided by teacher

Dialogue: Talking that is direct and purposeful. Goal is building a shared vision.

Debate: Highly focused talking aimed at a resolution.

Examples of Civic Action

Article: Young Citizens Take Action for Better School Lunches

Book: The Emperor’s New Clothes

Mock Trial: The Case of the Missing Puppy