Civics Is Largely About Politics: The Possibilities and Challenges of a Citizenship Education Pedagogy that Embraces Democratic Politics and Recognizes Diversity

Abstract

Research investigating the practice of citizenship education in multicultural schools is scarce. Drawing on classroom observations and teacher and student interviews in four multicultural Grade 10 Civics classrooms in Ottawa, Canada, this case study discusses one teacher’s unique citizenship education pedagogy, an approach that embraces democratic politics and affirms diversity. Vignettes of class instruction illustrate the teaching strategies implemented and the struggles faced in employing this pedagogical approach. The case study contends that a critical multicultural citizenship education must have a strong political orientation and, additionally, be responsive to the existing social and cultural diversity that defines our democratic community.