Using immersive civic discussion to cultivate civic purpose in elementary schools during politically volatile times

Abstract

In the midst of politically volatile times, teachers struggle to lead and facilitate discussions on civic topics in elementary classrooms. In order to foster civic purpose in youth, which is a sustained intention and engagement to contribute to others’ well-being and society, this paper introduces mechanisms and practices of immersive civic discussion. Specifically, three instructional principles undergirding immersive civic discussion are identified: agency, We-ness, and empathy. Then, we illustrate how these principles play as effective bridges strengthening the ties between core elements of civic purpose: civic intention, civic action, and self-transcendent motivation, respectively. Following the instructional principles underlying immersive civic discussions, we illustrate correspondent research-based strategies informing how to increase the educational benefits of agency, We-ness, and empathy in elementary classrooms along with specific instructional examples.