What Kind of Citizen Are We Educating Our Children to Be?

What Kind of Citizen? Educating Our Children for the Common Good

by Joel Westheimer

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	449 pages
File size	:	1867 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

As we educate our children, we must consider the kind of citizens we want them to be. Should we focus on academic achievement, civic responsibility, or both? This is a question that has been debated for centuries, and there is no easy answer.

Some people believe that the primary goal of education is to prepare students for the workforce. They argue that students need to be able to read, write, and do math in order to succeed in today's economy. Others believe that education should also focus on teaching students about their civic responsibilities. They argue that students need to be able to understand how government works, how to make informed decisions, and how to participate in their communities.

There is no doubt that both academic achievement and civic responsibility are important. However, the question of how to balance these two goals is a complex one. Some schools have adopted a "whole child" approach to education, which seeks to develop both the academic and social-emotional skills of students. Other schools have created special programs to teach students about civics and social justice.

No matter what approach we take, it is important to remember that the goal of education is to create well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute to society. This means teaching students not only how to make a living, but also how to live a meaningful life.

The Importance of Civic Responsibility

Civic responsibility is the duty of citizens to participate in the decision-making process of their community or country. This includes voting, running for office, serving on juries, and volunteering for community service. Civic responsibility is important because it allows citizens to have a say in the way their community or country is run.

There are many benefits to being an active and engaged citizen. Civic participation can help to:

• Increase civic knowledge and understanding
• Develop leadership skills
• Build social networks
• Promote social justice
• Create a more informed and engaged citizenry

Civic responsibility is not just about voting or running for office. It is about being an active and engaged member of your community. It is about working together to make your community a better place for everyone.

The Role of Education in Fostering Civic Responsibility

Education plays a vital role in fostering civic responsibility. Schools can help students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that they need to be active and engaged citizens. This includes:

• Teaching students about history, government, and economics
• Providing opportunities for students to participate in civic activities
• Encouraging students to think critically about issues facing their community or country
• Helping students to develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others

By providing students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to be active and engaged citizens, schools can help to create a more just and equitable society.

The question of what kind of citizen we are educating our children to be is a complex one. There is no easy answer, but it is a question that we must continue to ask ourselves. As we educate our children, we must remember that the goal is to create well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute to society. This means teaching students not only how to make a living, but also how to live a meaningful life.

What Kind of Citizen? Educating Our Children for the Common Good

by Joel Westheimer

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	449 pages
File size	:	1867 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE