ERIC Number: EJ1188174
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 39
Abstractor: As Provided
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ISSN: ISSN-0093-3104
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Youth Developing Political Efficacy through Social Learning Experiences: Becoming Active Participants in a Supportive Model United Nations Club
Levy, Brett L. M.
Theory and Research in Social Education, v46 n3 p410-448 2018
Prior research indicates that individuals are more likely to take political action (e.g., vote, contact representatives, protest) when they have higher levels of "political efficacy," the belief that one's actions can influence political processes. In this mixed methods longitudinal study, I draw on Wenger's and Bandura's theories of social learning to examine how adolescents' political efficacy developed during their experiences in a Model United Nations club. Through analyses of data from questionnaires, interviews, and observations, I found that students' political efficacy increased as they became active club participants. Supportive relationships with club peers and advisors encouraged regular involvement, which in turn provided participants repeated opportunities to prepare for and practice authentic political tasks--experiences that supported their political efficacy. These findings enhance our understanding of successful democratic education and have useful implications for educators and researchers interested in political engagement.
Descriptors: Political Attitudes, International Organizations, Clubs, Student Attitudes, Citizen Participation, Peer Relationship, Democracy, Voting, Social Action, Educational Experience, Longitudinal Studies, Group Membership, Civics, High School Students, Self Efficacy, Student Participation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
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Language: English
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