Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review literature about citizenship education in order to develop a framework for transformative citizenship education and compare that framework to the intended and implemented citizenship education curriculum in Ecuador. This study presents qualitative research carried out in eight schools in four provinces of Ecuador in June 2014.  Information was gathered through surveys regarding teacher and student perspectives on the purpose of citizenship education, as well as students’ feelings of patriotism, compassion, and appreciation for diversity. Teachers were also interviewed in order to gain understanding about common practices in the classroom and uncover obstacles that teachers face in teaching this course. Based on the surveys and teacher interviews, it is evident that there are some obstacles to the successful implementation of citizenship education in Ecuador. Two main obstacles are a lack of resources, including textbooks, as well as a shortage of participatory class activities and projects.

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