There has never been a more significant time to teach citizenship education to students. With today's increased contact with other cultures, technology which has drawn societies closer, and a deeper awareness of democracy and the democratic process, the subject has increased in relevance not only as a subject in schools, but as a fundamental part of a child's upbringing.

"Teaching citizenship education at school is the means with which we can develop a democratic culture. At school, children can learn about democracy and the need to safeguard it," believes Philip Caruana, a lecturer of Systems of Knowledge at the Junior College.

Dr Caruana, who also lectures on democracy and citizenship at the Faculty of Education, is the author of a new book, "Democracy, Citizenship Education and Active Democratic Citizenship", which has just been published.

"Not only are such lessons important at school, but they need to be part of the curriculum from an early age. In England, for example, although the subject is part of the curriculum at secondary level, the topic is embedded in all the subjects at primary level."

The local situation is not very far away - citizenship education is already part of the curriculum. However, by the time the students are taught the subject, a lot would have already gone into the development of children. The curriculum lacks the backing of a strategy which could make sure that children start receiving lessons on citizenship and democracy from an early age, Dr Caruana explains.

"It is correct to state that the Maltese National Minimum Curriculum (1999) refers to and includes provisions for the teaching of democratic values, but the research findings clearly show that at the current time, the young generations at post-secondary level are not well-equipped with the knowledge, attitudes, skills and understanding needed to fulfill their role as present and future democratic citizens."

The strategy on citizenship education which is strongly advocated by Dr Caruana is also aimed at correcting the misconception that democracy is simply about elections.

"The emphasis that emerged on the importance of the role of school councils and student participation in school councils which, while giving an experience of democracy at work in the Maltese setting, unfortunately continues to promote the limited understanding of the students that democracy has to do only with elections and representatives (in this case student representatives). This understanding needs to be balanced with the promotion of skills to uphold rights and duties and to participate as active citizens in a community," Dr Caruana explains. This suggestion is one of a series of recommendations which Dr Caruana puts forth in his study on the perceptions of students, especially Sixth Form students studying Systems of Knowledge, on citizenship and democracy, and on the abilities they would have acquired by this age.

The publication also looks into the ongoing international debate on democracy and citizenship in education, with special emphasis on the local scene based on the findings of a longitudinal study conducted in Malta.

Another recommendation refers to the implementation of the new Systems of Knowledge syllabus (2008 - 2010) which was also seen to counter the fact that "students came to the College with preconceived ideas, which at times hinder the learning process". This is because lecturers focus on the assessment of the student's ability to assimilate what is taught during the lectures, rather than the package they have brought with them and which they have continued to develop.

A recommendation which the author describes as long-term is the setting up of a council entrusted with planning and investigating research, disseminating information, and the drafting of a national strategy for citizenship education.

Nonetheless, the recommendations which Dr Caruana proposes are less likely to be implemented effectively without the proper training of teachers and student-teachers in the area, coupled with the need to "sensitise people" on the importance of citizenship education in a child and student's life.

"These recommendations are broad and the researcher is conscious that there is primarily a need for a change in the mentality and culture, which emanates from key people who are responsible to effect the necessary changes which obviously is not easy," Dr Caruana admits.

"This must be accompanied by a readiness, a willingness to undertake change rather than be satisfied with the status quo.

"There is also a need of considerable goodwill from all those involved, especially politicians and policy makers... And most of all, it is important to understand that there should be continuous discussion about what kind of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes should be promoted in citizenship education.

"This outlook and focus are important if we want to safeguard and nurture our democratic principles now, and for the forthcoming generations."

The publication Democracy, Citizenship Education and Active Democratic Citizenship will be available at the forthcoming Book Fair and from leading bookshops. For further details, e-mail Sierra Book Distributors on sales@sierra-books.com or the author on philip.caruana@um.edu.mt.