Exploring the Understanding of Teachers and Learners on Citizenship Education in Ghana

Abstract

A citizen is a person with membership in a political community such as a country or city. This person owes loyalty to the state by birth or naturalization and in return enjoys the protection of the state or nation. A citizen is also a resident of a city or town, especially one entitled to vote and enjoys other privileges there. Citizenship education seeks to train persons living within specified boundaries on how to relate in their political locality, hence, emphasis is placed on gaining knowledge, skills, methods and values needed to function effectively within the political community. From this study, we are able to confirm that teachers and learners alike understand the essence of citizenship and the need for citizenship education. Over 85% and 88% of learners and teachers respectively believe such education brings about the development of civic competences and participation to make learners critical thinkers and enlightened citizens.