As global interaction increases so does the need
for a personal worldview which fosters responsible
national and global citizenship. In the US, public
school curriculum is expected to include civic
education. This study unpacks worldview construction
and civic education and identifies childhood as the
critical time for initiating worldview
formation. Drawing from International Relations,
Anthropology, and Education, social studies
textbooks are contextualized and evaluated.Utilizing
International Relations concepts to bridge
traditional and contemporary notions of civic
education, one publisher s elementary social studies
textbook series is analyzed with an innovative
content analysis model. Teacher surveys about
textbook usage are examined. Key concepts are
defined to be compatible with contemporary worldview
formation. A broad range of material is synthesized
to offer compelling insights into why and how civic
education practices change.This study is informative
for those who want to understand civic education
issues, are striving to reform elementary education
practices, and are interested in the development of
responsible national and global citizens.
for a personal worldview which fosters responsible
national and global citizenship. In the US, public
school curriculum is expected to include civic
education. This study unpacks worldview construction
and civic education and identifies childhood as the
critical time for initiating worldview
formation. Drawing from International Relations,
Anthropology, and Education, social studies
textbooks are contextualized and evaluated.Utilizing
International Relations concepts to bridge
traditional and contemporary notions of civic
education, one publisher s elementary social studies
textbook series is analyzed with an innovative
content analysis model. Teacher surveys about
textbook usage are examined. Key concepts are
defined to be compatible with contemporary worldview
formation. A broad range of material is synthesized
to offer compelling insights into why and how civic
education practices change.This study is informative
for those who want to understand civic education
issues, are striving to reform elementary education
practices, and are interested in the development of
responsible national and global citizens.