Civics and Citizenship - Learning about Democracy

Parliament House, Canberra.

What is 'democracy' and how does it affect young Australian people?

In the coming weeks, grade 6 students will be learning about democracy in Australia, and the purpose it has in our community. We will focus particularly on the political aspect of citizenship, and how the government system in Australia works; concentrating on the local community. We will be encouraging students to understand the key institutions which make up our government, roles and responsibilities associated with democracy in our community/country, relating to student’s personal inclusion in democracy i.e. voting, and understanding laws and where they come from. (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2015).

Democracy is one of the topics that students learn about as part of the 'Humanities and Social Sciences' (HASS) curriculum leaning area; centralising around the 'Civics and Citizenship' strand. The ultimate goal is for students to understand be able to identify ways in which they can participate as citizens in their own communities; in the school, home and even the wider community. (ACARA, 2015). We want to inspire students to take initiative in their own communities and develop their own thoughts/opinions on democracy related issues.

Example of Role-Playing in the Parliament - Senate.
https://www.peo.gov.au/multimedia/videos/role-play-senate.html

To create awareness and influence genuine interest in the topic of democracy,  us as teacher's need to be able to connect it to real life. The content needs to be relevant to the students, and give meaning to them on a personal level. Some of the ways we can do this is to compare the bigger issues surrounding democracy, to issues that are applicable to their own community. (Tudball & Brett, 2014). One of the activities student's will be participating in, will involve the classroom being turned into parliament. Group work encourages student's to work in a collaborative manner, and communicate their own thoughts amongst their peers. (Reynolds, 2012). I strongly encourage discussion, and the sharing of ideas with this type of group work; it will be a good opportunity to allow students to experience real debating and truly encapsulating what it means to be in parliament. (Parliamentary Education Office, n.d.). 

Activities such as setting up school rules, school council, voting for school captains, sourcing a local politician guest speaker and setting up fundraisers for local community groups; foster the citizenship values in which we are trying to achieve. (Reynolds, 2014).

This multifaceted approach, (Reynolds, 2014), allows teachers a variety of tools to enhance the learning experience for your children.

Australian Curriculum - Humanities and Social Sciences
Civics and Citizenship - Content Descriptors and Cross-Curricula Connections

How can parents/guardians help?

To assist young students with their learning, all parents can contribute 5-10 minutes of discussion time each night over dinner; relating to the topics that the students are learning about. In a society that is so technologically advanced, parents could encourage their children to use their screen time to google topics relating to democracy in their local area. This will help to strengthen their knowledge and invite more curiosity for further learning.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/going-to-school/supporting-your-learner/homework-help/

How can teachers help?

As teachers, we want students to develop their skills in civics and citizenship education; and we can do that by encouraging participation, providing students with the understanding of what the future might look like, and how they can contribute to that. (Guilbert, & Hoepper, 2014). 

Reference List

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2012). Humanities and Social Sciences: Civics and Citizenship. Sydney, NSW: Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/.

Guilbert., R., & Hoepper, B. (2017). Teaching Humanities & Social Sciences. (6th end.). Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning Australia Pty Limited.  

Parliamentary Education Office. (n.d.). Role Play the Parliament - Senate. Retrieved from https://www.peo.gov.au/multimedia/videos/role-play-senate.html

Reynolds, R. (2012). Teaching History, Geography & Sose in the Primary School. (2nd ed.). Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.

Tudball., L., & Brett, P. (2014). What matters and what's next for civics and citizenship education in Australia? The Social Educator, 32(2) 4-15.