Empowering Civic Agency: A Social Justice Approach in a U.S. Social Studies Classroom

Item

Title
Empowering Civic Agency: A Social Justice Approach in a U.S. Social Studies Classroom
Creator
Emily M. Miller
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
Project Type
Action Research Project
Date
6/15/2025
Abstract
This research project is focused on fostering civic agency in social studies education, with an emphasis on engaging students with diverse perspectives and encouraging activism and advocacy. Moreover, the study aims to explore how culturally responsive teaching can enhance students’ understanding of and participation in civic engagement. This project is positioned around the idea that education should foster holistic development rather than just preparing students for the future. In this study, I examined how, through delivering high-quality education in an inclusive, student-centered classroom, students can take agency in their education and develop empathy for diverse perspectives. Further, the project aimed to understand how by encouraging dialogue that fosters greater awareness and understanding of how our lives are connected to others’ lives and the environment, students can engage with beliefs and opinions that differ from their own and broaden their understanding of our complex and interconnected world. By preparing students for being good neighbors and helping shape responsible and respectful persons, the project sought to empower students to engage critically with the world around them.
Keywords
culturally responsive teaching
multicultural education
diverse perspectives
Committee Member
Rachel Harrington
Ken Carno
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Language
eng
Type
Text
Identifier
EmilyMiller_ARP_2025
Item sets
Graduate Work
Media
EmilyMiller_ARP_2025.pdf