Educating for EU Citizenship and Civic Engagement Through Active Learning

Abstract

A great challenge for university educators is teaching so that students become “owners” of the knowledge imparted in the classroom. As suggested in this chapter that challenge grows exponentially when another learning outcome of academic curriculum, whether it be Political Science in general or European Studies in particular, is to produce lifelong, engaged citizens. Thus, this author explores the fact that, simultaneous to governmental pressures being placed on American educators, both the European Union and the Council of Europe have also called for civic education to ensure long-term, active citizenship. In fact, European and American governmental elites, civil society organizations, nongovernmental educational organizations, and European Studies scholars have contributed diverse ideas, strategies, and tactics to the now rich conversation about the European Identity and the meaning of “good” European citizenship. Their efforts coincide with similar efforts by American political scientists. Finally, this author examines what is needed at the classroom level to help European Studies students connect academic learning with the practical realities of citizenship. This examination considers the development of civic skills and key competences and the value of active and experiential learning in engaging students as citizens of Europe—and of the global arena.