The Importance of Citizenship
In today’s society, it is essential that we bring to light the significance of social justice. In particular, I found the following quote instructive: “Citizenship in today’s world usually encompasses three important elements: (1) a sense of“membership” or “identity” with some wider community, such as one’s local community or one’s nation; (2) a set of “rights and “freedoms,” such as freedom of thought and of the right to vote; and (3) a corresponding set of “obligations”such as an obligation respect the rights of others or a duty to obey the law” (Goldstein and Selby, 2000). Teachers can use this quote as a road map to better
understand the elements that they can incorporate into their classroom.
Schools are a natural place to develop students’ citizenship skills. Citizenship can be fostered outside of the classroom in many ways. Students can develop skills to improve and grow in this area through: clubs, sports, and religious services. These examples demonstrate how citizenship can be exercised in an education setting. Teachers play a key role in creating situations and learning opportunities in which students can explore diversity and inclusiveness within the classroom by incorporating co-operative education, classroom responsibilities, and opportunities for collaboration.
The province recognizes the importance of citizenship and it has created and promoted character development programs. In fact, it provides grants such as the Speak Up Grant and the Reaching Out Grant for students, schools, and parents to design and execute community initiatives. A commitment to these elements and to these types of programs undoubtedly will contribute to a positive development of citizenship in students.
C.D.
References:
Evans, M., & Hundey, I. (2000). Chapter 4: Educating for citizenship in Canada: New meanings in a changing world. In T. Goldstein & D. Selby (Eds.), Weaving Connections: Educating for Peace, Social, and Environmental Justice (pp.120-145).
Ontario Ministry of Education. Retrieved October 7, 2011 from Queen’s Printer for Ontario, retrieved from Web Site:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/
understand the elements that they can incorporate into their classroom.
Schools are a natural place to develop students’ citizenship skills. Citizenship can be fostered outside of the classroom in many ways. Students can develop skills to improve and grow in this area through: clubs, sports, and religious services. These examples demonstrate how citizenship can be exercised in an education setting. Teachers play a key role in creating situations and learning opportunities in which students can explore diversity and inclusiveness within the classroom by incorporating co-operative education, classroom responsibilities, and opportunities for collaboration.
The province recognizes the importance of citizenship and it has created and promoted character development programs. In fact, it provides grants such as the Speak Up Grant and the Reaching Out Grant for students, schools, and parents to design and execute community initiatives. A commitment to these elements and to these types of programs undoubtedly will contribute to a positive development of citizenship in students.
C.D.
References:
Evans, M., & Hundey, I. (2000). Chapter 4: Educating for citizenship in Canada: New meanings in a changing world. In T. Goldstein & D. Selby (Eds.), Weaving Connections: Educating for Peace, Social, and Environmental Justice (pp.120-145).
Ontario Ministry of Education. Retrieved October 7, 2011 from Queen’s Printer for Ontario, retrieved from Web Site:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/