Title: The Impact of Civic Education on Schools, Students and Communities
Country: Armenia
Authors: Tigran Tovmasyan
CategoryResearch/Evaluation Studies
Date of Publication: 2008
Keywords: citizenship, effective civic education, research methods
Resource Language(s): English
Pages: 80
Level of Education: Middle and High School
Publisher: Caucasus Research Resource Centers (CRRC)
Access: The paper can be downloaded at the Caucus Research Resource Center website.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of civic education on Armenian communities, schools, and students. This research project sought to determine whether the materials and documents created by policymakers and curriculum developers in the field are similar to internationally accepted practices. It also sought to identify the effectiveness of organizations in curriculum implementation by determining whether those efforts and teaching processes led to the formation of a democratic citizenry. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to collect data on democracy education in ten Armenian schools in the capital city of Yerevan and in three regions. In parallel, policy-level documents and curricular materials related to civic education were reviewed and analyzed. The current process to reform civic education started in 2004 when the government of Armenia adopted the new National Curriculum for General Education. The State Standards and Program for Social Studies prepared and realized by the Ministry of Education and Science brought new life and opportunities for citizenship education. This study also presents the concept of civic education and the mission of teaching civics internationally. Curricular and legal documents support the preparation of effective citizens, whereas civics instruction, teaching, and learning needs significant improvement and contributions from education policymakers, school administrators, community leaders, parents, and students. To obtain better results, people involved in civic education should connect learning to social issues, and students should gain knowledge, skills, and value development in authentic social environments.