Democratic values and citizenship : a pedagogical reflection about module 1 of the new Systems of Knowledge syllabus 2008-10

Abstract

In January 2006, the Senate of the University of Malta approved the new Systems of Knowledge syllabus 2008-10. Module I is a totally new module related to democratic values and citizenship aiming at supporting the present and future young Maltese generations to become active democratic Maltese, European, and global citizens. This paper acknowledged, firstly, that there is a lot of content that is necessary but new to most of the students. Secondly, in line with the wording of the document itself, there is a need to shift the emphasis of the aims, away from emphasising teaching content to teaching of skills as well as creative and deliberative thinking. Thirdly, this assertion is corroborated with findings from very recent empirical research administered by the author. Finally, this pedagogical reflection sets a challenge for all stakeholders to investigate whether students are able to use the content acquired during lectures in everyday life.