The Principles of Democracy that are included in the Social, Citizenship, and Civic Education Textbooks, and the Level of Practicing them By the Teachers from the Viewpoint of the School Principals in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the democratic principles that are included in the social, citizenship, and civic education textbooks from first to tenth grade. This study also aimed at identifying the implications of the social education teachers from the of principals point of view. Therefore, for the purpose of this study, the researchers have analyzed the content of these books to answer the first question of this study. In addition, the researchers developed an instrument to distinguish the highest level of practicing the social studies' teachers who practice the principles of democracy. It was a questionnaire consisting of (41) items. The sample of this study included (750) principals randomly selected.  Results of the current study revealed that the social, citizenship, and civic education textbooks for the first to tenth grade contain four fundamental concepts of democracy, namely: freedom, justice, equality, and classroom teaching practices. The study also indicated that the teachers of the social studies gained an advanced level of practicing the principles of democracy. The current study recommended the necessity of reconsidering the mechanism of improving the Jordanian curricula, especially at the level of the social studies curricula, which should consist of the principles and concepts of democracy in a more comprehensive manner.