Pedagogy and Civic Engagement: Theoretical Insights into Fostering Active Citizenship in University Education

Ciprian Simut (), Julien Ferenc Kiss (), Florica Ortan () and Laurentiu Mandrea ()
Additional contact information
Ciprian Simut: University of Oradea, Romania
Julien Ferenc Kiss: University of Oradea, Romania
Florica Ortan: University of Oradea, Romania
Laurentiu Mandrea: University of Oradea, Romania

Scientia Moralitas Journal, 2025, vol. 10, issue 1, 230-241

Abstract: The research examines, at a theoretical level, the ways in which pedagogical approaches in higher education can be strategically designed to foster civic engagement, thereby preparing university students to become citizens who understand why they need to be active and act responsibly. Inspired by a multidisciplinary theoretical framework—starting from the constructivist learning theory, critical pedagogy, experiential learning theory, self-determination theory, and social identity theory—the research explores how student-centered, dialogic, and experiential teaching methods cultivate the cognitive, motivational, and identity-based foundations of civic participation. The research argues that when teachers integrate collaborative learning activities, critical reflection, autonomy-supportive environments, and community-oriented projects, students would gain the skills and the ethical commitment needed for democratic engagement. The research also acknowledges potential obstacles, including institutional constraints, cultural and political resistance, student readiness, and tensions between individual autonomy and collective goals. The proposed solutions are about the implementation of adaptive pedagogical designs, faculty development, and culturally responsive practices. This research is theoretical and aims to present the ways in which universities could bridge the gap between academic learning and active democratic citizenship.

Keywords: civic education; pedagogy; higher education; active citizenship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://scientiamoralitas.com/index.php/sm/article/view/309 (application/pdf)
https://scientiamoralitas.com/index.php/sm/article/view/309/212 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:smo:journl:v:10:y:2025:i:1:p:230-241

Access Statistics for this article

Scientia Moralitas Journal is currently edited by Ioan-Gheorghe Rotaru

More articles in Scientia Moralitas Journal from Scientia Moralitas, Research Institute
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Eduard David ().