A framework for assessing adolescent-focused, active citizenship programs in the context of global competence

Although the terminology and approaches may vary, opportunities to engage in ‘real world’ active citizenship programs are recognised as an essential element of citizenship education. Such programs are seen as opportunities to develop and practise the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and actions deemed essential for participation as an effective local and global citizen. It is also recognised that adolescence is a pivotal time for developing such knowledge, skills, values and attitudes and that exposure to citizenship activities at this stage of development can determine civic engagement in adulthood. The difficulty is in providing effective and developmentally appropriate opportunities for active citizenship in an already crowded school year. This article reinforces why adolescence is a key period for developing the attributes of active local and global citizenship and provides a framework, and the research behind it, to assist educators in evaluating adolescent-focused, active citizenship programs.