Education of the school youth to democratic citizenship in Slovakia

Periodical
Pedagogika
Volume
107
Year
2012
Page range
110-117
Access date
October 12, 2017
Relates to study/studies
ICCS 2009

Education of the school youth to democratic citizenship in Slovakia

Abstract

Based on results of the ICSS 2009 survey, civic education in Slovakia was characterised by school principals as a separate subject taught by specialist in civic education. The subject is considered to be a part of the curriculum. Its main education goals are to provide knowledge about civil rights and duties, enhance critical thinking of pupils and ability to solve conflict situations. Preparing pupils for participation in life at school is considered less important. Teachers of civic education focus not only on factual targets (acquisition of knowledge), but, also on goals of development of competences (support to critical thinking, ability to solve conflicts and defends one’s own opinions). At civic education lessons, teachers do not stress orientation of pupils on practical political activity (engagement in school self government) or even engagement in political life after completing their study.