This quantitative study of elementary teachers in Texas assesses the relationship between their stated preference for particular children’s books and aims of civic education. The books covered a variation of social studies and civic education topics including the perspectives of various racial or ethnic groups, antiracism, geography, ecology, relationships, LGBTQ+ rights and feminism. Exploratory factor analysis of books identified two factors that were labelled culture-oriented books and justice-oriented books. Additionally, latent class analysis found groupings of teacher’s that were labelled engaged and avoidant in relation to aims of civic education. Results of regression analysis found that engaged teachers were more likely to indicate use of both culture- and justice-oriented books. Also, female teachers, teachers in upper elementary, teachers with graduate degrees and Asian teachers are more likely to utilize culture-oriented books, while African American and Latinx teachers were more likely to utilize justice-oriented books.
Teachers have a crucial role in establishing an ‘open classroom climate’ (OCC) that enables open discussions on societal issues. Recent research has mainly measured OCC through individual students’ perceptions. This study explores the teacher competences that foster an OCC for effective citizenship education. Thematic analysis of interviews with eighteen primary school teachers reveals that how and which competences can contribute to an OCC varies by teacher, context and process. In sum, most teachers feel competent to create an OCC and perceive their classroom as democratic, involving students only in practical and organizational matters and not, for example, in curricular matters.
Review of: International Perspectives in Drama and Citizenship Education: Acting Globally, Nicholas Mcguinn, Norio Ikeno, Ian Davies and Edda Sant (2022) London: Routledge, 234 pp., ISBN 978-1-00305-814-4, e-book, £35.99
Review of: The New Publicness of Education: Democratic Possibilities after the Critique of Neo-Liberalism, Carl Anders Säfström and Gert Biesta (eds) (2023) Abingdon: Routledge, 202 pp., ISBN 978-1-03226-610-7, p/bk, £38.99
There is an intricate relationship between viral diseases, societal structures and visual culture. This article delves into historical and contemporary instances where diseases have not only shaped but also influenced artistic expressions and perceptions. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized existing social inequalities. This article examines the disproportionate effects of diseases like COVID-19 on marginalized communities, including Black and Asian populations, and the resultant surge in hate crimes and job losses among these groups. Understanding the interplay between disease, race and art is crucial for recognizing the broader cultural and political implications of pandemics. A more inclusive and equitable approach is vital to addressing health crises, one that acknowledges and mitigates the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
