Citizenship can be defined simply as being a member of political institutions. Citizenship, the first evidence of which is encountered in ancient Greek city-states in history, is found in the Roman state constitutionally for the first time. National citizenship, which became more important with the importance of nation-states, was supported by the concept of human rights after the French Revolution. Events and phenomena such as Reform, Industrialization, Democracy, Globalization, Digitalization, International Trade and Migration have given different dimensions to the concept of citizenship. Today, all states have determined the rights and duties of individuals as their citizens in their constitutions and convey the rights and responsibilities of citizenship to the students in school education. Societies with good citizens who know their rights and responsibilities are thought to develop and advance more in any area.

This book examines the evolving relationship between the nation-state, citizenship and the education of citizens, exploring the impact European integration had on national policies towards educating its citizens and citizenship.

In the framework of the EU-funded project TEESAEC, an instructional research project was conducted in six European countries (Austria, Estonia, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom). In the quasi-experimental study, an innovative series of lessons on the European Union was introduced into politics lessons in the form of a WebQuest. The intervention study aimed to determine whether the problem-based learning environment WebQuest leads to greater cognitive outcomes as compared with traditional lessons in politics. Knowledge increase was assessed in 14 to 16 year-old students by means of a knowledge test applied before and after the intervention. The test items employed in TEESAEC cover basic (literacy) competences which are of use in situations in which concrete political knowledge is to be applied. The reports from the six countries involved present the gains associated with lessons in politics, revealing not only strengths but also weaknesses of politics lessons. The current volume presents the main results of the study.

Outlines the key steps that have been taken over the past 40 years to develop a European educational philosophy and system and implement it within each of the present and prospective member states, and identifies the problems and issues that face those advocating further integration. Discusses pressure groups, cooperation and exchange, curricula, the role of languages, qualifications, mobility, and other aspects. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

On cover: Modern languages

This text provides guidance for teachers and schools seeking to encourage their pupils to see themselves as part of a European community. The contributors, who come from all over Europe, examine the values needed for teaching in pluralist societies and developing global responsibility in schools.