The Civically Engaged Classroom

Author: Mary Ehrenworth, Pablo Wolfe, Marc Todd

Three-Sentence Summary

• "The Civically Engaged Classroom" underscores the importance of incorporating civic engagement into the classroom to foster critical thinking, empathy, and active participation in society among students.
• The authors provide practical strategies for teachers to infuse their curriculum with discussions on contemporary issues, social justice, and democracy.
• Grounded in research and real-world examples, the book advocates for an educational approach that not only prepares students acadically but also empowers them as informed citizens.

Extended Summary

"The Civically Engaged Classroom" by Mary Ehrenworth, Pablo Wolfe, and Marc Todd is a timely resource that urges educators to rethink the traditional curriculum by integrating civic engagement into daily teaching practices. The book argues that education should not be limited to academic skills but should also equip students with an understanding of their roles and responsibilities in society.

The authors stress the significance of engaging students in discussions about current events, human rights issues, social justice movements and democratic processes. By doing so, they believe it will foster critical thinking skills among students and inspire them to become active participants in shaping society.

To help teachers implement this approach, the book offers a plethora of practical strategies and techniques such as incorporating diverse perspectives into lessons; facilitating debates; creating project-based learning experiences centered around community issues; integrating technology for research purposes; encouraging student-led initiatives etc.

Moreover, it emphasizes on creating an inclusive classroom environment where all voices are heard and respected. It discusses how teachers can tackle sensitive subjects with tactfulness while ensuring students feel safe expressing their views.

With its blend of research-backed theories and real-life classroom anecdotes, "The Civically Engaged Classroom" presents a compelling case for a more socially aware, proactive form of education that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures empathy, tolerance, and civic responsibility among students.

Key Points

1. The importance of integrating civic engagement into the classroom to foster critical thinking, empathy, and active societal participation among students.
2. Practical strategies for teachers to infuse their curriculum with discussions on contemporary issues, social justice, and democracy.
3. The need for creating an inclusive classroom environment where all voices are heard and respected.

Who Should Read

• This book is invaluable for educators of all levels who want to integrate civic engagement into their teaching practices.
• School administrators looking for innovative curricular approaches that foster socially conscious learning environments.
• Education policy makers interested in understanding how classroom experiences can shape students' perception of society and their roles within it.

About the Author

Mary Ehrenworth is the Deputy Director at the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. She has written numerous books on teaching reading and writing. Pablo Wolfe is a teacher who specializes in civics education. Marc Todd is an experienced educator with expertise in social studies education.