Socio-scientific issues and Citizenship Education: from theory to the classroom

Abstract

Often in citizenship education, the theory of citizenship being used and the kind of good citizenship that is promoted, is not discussed. In this article, an epistemic theory of deliberative democracy and group problem solving as CE is argued. These theories are considered suitable for citizenship education as they foster students’ autonomy, taking into account an open-ended future. These theories are translated into four educational principles. Furthermore, the content and the organisation of the tasks are defined. Using socio-scientific issues as content is considered relevant to help students understand societal issues.