Nurturing Democratic Engagement in the Classroom

Helping young people develop skills and knowledge to become informed and motivated citizens

Posted March 27, 2025
By News editor

What tools are needed to help young people to develop skills, knowledge, and characteristics to become informed and motivated citizens in our society, particularly in polarized times? Our experts explore how to build up history and civics instruction in K–12 schools and higher education and ways to foster spaces where all learners can practice democratic engagement.

Host: Julie Reuben, Charles Warren Professor of the History of American Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Guests:

Danielle Allen, Faculty Director, Civic Learning Institute, Harvard Graduate School of Education and James Bryant Conant University Professor, Harvard University
Thomas Trainor, 8th Grade Civics Teacher, Cambridge Public Schools

Key Takeaways

The Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy, an inquiry-based framework created by more than 300 diverse scholars, can guide educators about how and what to teach students in civic learning classes.
Learners can be empowered to find their voice and become drivers of civic change. Student-led civics projects can be an effective tool to engage learners on issues of personal importance and to help them realize their power as changemakers.
There are opportunities at the schoolwide level, across grades and subject areas, for leaders to assist students with developing their civic identity and practicing civic skills.