INTRODUCTION TO CIVIC EDUCATION Lesson Note

A. MEANING OF CIVIC EDUCATION

B. OBJECTIVES OF CIVIC EDUCATION

i) to create responsible citizens.

ii) to promote national unity and peaceful co-existence.

iii) creating awareness about citizen’s right and obligation

iv) encouraging the citizen to be part of governance.

v) to promote respect for the rule of law.

vi) to develop leadership qualities in the citizen

vii) to promote democratic values.

viii) to discourage corruption and other social vices.

C. REASONS FOR TEACHING CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

i) to build good character among students.

ii) to promote patriotism and nationalism.

iii) to teach democratic principles.

iv) to develop leadership skills.

v) to encourage obedience to laws.

vi) to reduce crime and social misconduct.

vii) to prepare students for responsible citizenship.

D. IMPORTANCE OF CIVIC EDUCATION

i) promotes peace and national unity.

ii) encourages responsible citizenship.

iii) create awareness about human rights.

iv) promotes democracy and good governance.

v) develops moral values.

vi) encourages political participation.

vii) reduces corruption and indiscipline.

viii) promotes national development.

E. AGENTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION

i) Family: The primary and the most important agent. It is the earliest contact that teaches basic values, language, cultural norms and social status.

ii) School: It provides the required formal academic disciplines, rules and routine.

iii) Religious institution: It instill the proper and acceptable standards of right, good, moral principles that guide how people and groups behave.

iv) Peer group: It is a social group with common interest. It is made up of people who are of same age, background and social status.

v) Mass media: It shapes how people learn cultural norms, values and behaviors through television, radio, the internet and print. It has capacity to reach vast audience and influence their opinion

vi) The State/Government: It creates and enforces laws, civic duties and formal rules that define legal and acceptable public conduct.

vii) Community leaders: They foster collaboration, civic engagement, create fair and equal access to members of their community. They guide and inspire groups within a community to work towards achieving a common goal. They act as a bridge between residents and local government.

viii) Civil society organizations: They enlighten the citizens on their rights and duties, promotes democratic values and encourage active community participation. They educate and create understanding about government policies.

ix) workplace: The workplace serves as a socializing zone that provides the opportunities for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and cultural norms necessary for specific adult roles.