ACT's Chief Executive Contributes to BERA's 'Curriculum in a Changing World

The Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT)’s Chief Executive, Liz Moorse, has contributed a thought-provoking chapter to the British Educational Research Association’s (BERA) anniversary publication, Curriculum in a Changing World: 50 think pieces on education, policy, practice, innovation & inclusion.

In her chapter titled “What Makes an Excellent Citizenship Teacher? Knowledge, Pedagogy and Curriculum,” Liz explores the unique qualities that define outstanding citizenship teachers and how they bring the curriculum to life. She delves into the multidisciplinary nature of the citizenship curriculum, which draws on politics, law, and sociology, and tackles complex concepts like democracy, justice, rights, and diversity.

Liz emphasizes the importance of essential and powerful knowledge in citizenship education, highlighting four key areas drawn from the work of academics and teachers set out in Edition 55 of ‘Teaching Citizenship’:

• Critical Policy Knowledge: Understanding the context in which citizenship concepts are applied to real-world issues, such as climate change policies when discussing environmental laws.
• Pedagogic Knowledge: Employing teaching methods that foster critical thinking, debate, and democratic dialogue, allowing students to engage deeply with topical issues.
• Conceptual Knowledge: Navigating the multi-layered concepts within citizenship that often intersect, like exploring freedom of speech alongside ethics and the rule of law.
• Epistemic Development: Guiding students towards nuanced understanding by evaluating diverse opinions and scrutinising sources to form rational judgments.

A standout feature of the chapter is the focus on active citizenship. Liz underscores the necessity for students to experience ‘doing democracy’ through practical actions. By initiating and leading projects on issues that matter to them, students not only apply their knowledge from Citizenship lessons but also develop skills essential for participating in a democratic society.

Liz’s contribution reflects ACT’s commitment to empowering teachers and students to make a positive difference. She highlights that becoming an excellent citizenship teacher involves continuous learning, a supportive community, and creating a curriculum that encourages active participation. The ACT research team also presented research findings at the BERA Conference 2024 as part of the symposium “The School as a Civic Institution: Values, Vision, and Action,” ACT’s paper “The Power of Ethos” explored the pivotal role school ethos plays in fostering active citizenship in young people.

We encourage educators and those interested in curriculum development to explore Liz’s insights and the collective wisdom shared in BERA’s publication. To learn more and access the book, visit the BERA website.