The Role of University on the Civic Preparation of the Youth

Lindita Lutaj

Abstract

University plays an important role in equipping the students with knowledge and academic expressions. The institution helps the students in development of society understanding and civil engagement. The aim of this study is to observe the role of university through the curricula in civil preparation of the students and their awareness for active civil participation. The study used a mix quantitative and qualitative scientific method. The study instrument included closed and open questions, which were completed online from the participating students. There were 50 second year students who completed the questionnaire, part of the Education Faculty, in the Professional Master Program “Elementary Education Teacher” and Professional Master of “Didactics”. The study resulted that the students are very interested in being prepared in their field of Democratic Civil Education. Practical activity is very important to them, but the pandemic period has been an obstacle in performing practical activities. Students state that the use of convincing argument, the preparation job and researching the information from various sources helps them to develop the high-level thinking, and to reach high results in this area. Family civil education also helps them in continuing their further education. The study showed that the subject curricula of civil education have skilled in resolving the conflict situations, have helped in responsibility taking and getting civil competencies which are necessary for a democratic society. Students gain knowledge, skills, attitudes and values from the university as prerequisites to be active future citizens. Realizing the quality indicators of teaching in university is a necessity for a healthy democratic formation of the youth. It is important to increase students’ awareness and motivation for change. This is to make them aware in fulfilling their mission on creating a democratic civil society, with responsible citizens for their roles and engagement taken. Universities should know their responsibilities by including in the Education Faculty programs the curricula of Civil Education in order not only to raise the academic level of the students, but also to create the practical expressions. Key words: civil education, participation, practical activities, active citizenship

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