Civic learning in the „real world“: Schools and community as sites for student engagement

This chapter seeks to understand the multiple sources that influence student civic learning, with particular reference to students in Hong Kong. It draws on two sources of research: One has focused on seeking to establish the contribution of the formal curriculum to civic learning and the other looks beyond the formal curriculum to more informal learning modes. These sources suggest the need to look at the environment of schools and their capacity to engage young people in democratic processes as part of their civic learning experiences. At the same time, there is also the need to look beyond schools to the community and seek opportunities for young people to be engaged in activities that enhance their civic understanding and attitudes beyond the school.