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Can Civics education in Colleges Strengthen Democracy?

Can Civics education in Colleges Strengthen Democracy?

by GIETU  |  December 13, 2021
Can Civics education in Colleges Strengthen Democracy?

Civics education is a broad term. It depicts all the processes that affect people’s beliefs, commitments, capabilities, and actions as by members or prospective members of communities. Civic education enables people to learn their rights, values and norms to be in a society where there is a considerable debate of what is right and what is wrong.

Furthermore, civics education need not be calculated or intentional. Any institutions and communities may broadcast values and norms non-purposefully. Even educated people can also act in ways that disempower individuals or impart harmful values and goals. Therefore, it is crucial to include civics education at the school level as that creates a foundation. This foundation is the fundamental nature of Civic education.

The nature of Civics education in institutions doesn’t imply wrong or harmful teaching. On the contrary, because the Constitutions of the regions define specific guidelines, such guidelines encourage righteousness. While framing the materials provided to the students, these instructions must be abided by.

The violation of such a set of rules by spreading harmful values and norms will face punishment because it may jeopardise the peace of the region.

But how can Civic Education strengthen democracy? It is broadly explained further here.

Civic Education in Colleges

There are many reasons for the emphasis on civic education in schools and colleges. First, empirical evidence signifies that civic habits and values are relatively easy to influence and change. This change is only possible while people are still young and are learning about the world.

Civics education should be an ultimate mission to educate students for the country to reside peacefully. Additionally, making sure their rights, values and responsibilities are not harmed in any way.

The practical question for Civic education in colleges has been neglected in the early decades because of the assumption that Civic Education as an intentional program will not benefit either have long-lasting effects. Hence, the most influence was given to the study of social class and ideology.

This assumption was proved wrong by many researchers. As many research studies and program evaluations have found substantial effects. They have further found that educational practices, such as discussion of controversial issues, hand-on action, and so may decide what constitutes good citizenship?

What means is Civics education ethically appropriate?

These questions are relatively quite comprehensive and are depicted rightly by the colleges and institutions. The colleges, while teaching civics, do not simply deliver knowledge on what is right and what is wrong. Or what is ethically right and wrong. These questions are explained in regards to the philosophical contexts of Administrative Thinkers. These thinkers have rightly placed the concept of the questions. However, the answers may significantly change in regards to the circumstances as well.

The answer to “can civic education in college strengthen democracy” lies in its importance:

  • Encourages active participation in governance: Every individual should strive to be a citizen actively involved in governance. Civics education is not limited to participation in politics or society. It also encourages participation in classrooms, neighborhoods, groups and organizations. It enables people to learn from their mistakes in the classrooms.
  • Contribute to public process: Civics education enables students to contribute to public processes and essential discussion of real issues. They understand the value of voting, electing their representatives and also practice voting. They can also volunteer and join with others to improve society.
  • Enables to contribute themselves actively: Civics education enables students not to study how others participate but also practice themselves. Practicing themselves includes taking informed action themselves.
  • Empowers to be well-informed: Civic education empowers us to be well informed as a citizen of the country. It also encourages us to be active and allows us to change the world around us.

Civic education is a vital part of any democracy. It equips ordinary people with knowledge about our rights, democracy, and our constitution. For example, It specifies the importance of voting. Furthermore, voting is a significant responsibility of every citizen who should take advantage of it.

Conclusion

It is as regards to the Indian region; Civics Education will substantially promote democracy. Civics education in college will enlighten and guide the students having a wrong notion of democracy. It can even showcase the true purpose of a good citizen in a country. As citizens, we are required to follow the laws of the state, local government. Suppose we disagree with a law or public policy which could be improved. It is an excellent opportunity to get involved and have a voice in the Government. This process will foster good governance and strengthen the democracy of a country.

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