Rationale
The rationale of this research project is to assess student learning about democracy and its relationship to teaching practices in and out of the classroom. This Teaching for Democracy study will probe the connection between student knowledge about basic democratic concepts and teaching methods and materials used to teach about democracy. Central to this inquiry is the hypothesis that teachers employing active methods and materials for teaching about democracy will have a significant impact on student knowledge and attitudes about democracy.

Project Goals and Objectives

• Assess the current state of knowledge of students on democracy in Poland, South Africa, Ukraine and the US (n = 120 classes or groups)

• Compare student results from Poland, South Africa, Ukraine and the US to those who participated in the IEA study implemented in 28 other countries

• Assess the impact of Project Citizen and other select civic education curriculum utilized in Poland, South Africa, Ukraine and the US.

Participating Organizations (Links)

Center for Citizenship Education (Poland)

Alabama Center for Civic Education

All-Ukrainian Association of
Teachers of Social Studies and Civic Education (Ukraine)

Kentucky Administrative Offices of the Courts

Centre for Community and Educational Development, Pietermaritzburg,
South Africa

Previous IEA Study

School of Teaching and Learning * College of Education and Human Development