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The Role of International Large-Scale Assessments: Perspectives from Technology, Economy, and Educational Research pp 87–114Cite as

The Contributions of International Large-Scale Studies in Civic Education and Engagement

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Abstract

Mathematic, scientific, and literacy skills have taken center stage in the field of international large-scale assessments, and country rankings have become ubiquitous. However, three studies since the 1970s have addressed the topic of measuring civic engagement and citizenship and have examined patterns of student achievement in attitudes and skills as well as knowledge. Because of the complexity of preparation for citizenship and workplace readiness in different democratic systems, these civic education projects have had an innovative edge in both assessment development and the analysis undertaken. Results from these studies have led to insights into political events, such as the difficulty of establishing civic education after a dictatorship, the rise of anti-immigrant parties, and changes in the political participation of young adults in Europe and the United States. These studies provide information about how students are able to get along with others in society, acquire norms, and participate via democratic means to implement change. In addition to considering civic studies in an international perspective, this chapter will present results of secondary analysis of Civic Education Study data to illustrate the utility of these studies, and will discuss analysis relevant for policy and for researchers in political science and psychology.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    No questions specific to any given country’s political structure were included in the international test.

  2. 2.

    Australia, England, Finland, Sweden, United States, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, 20742, College Park, MD, USA

    Judith Torney-Purta Ph.D.

  2. Department of Psychology, Marymount University, 22207, Arlington, VA, USA

    Jo-Ann Amadeo Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Judith Torney-Purta Ph.D.
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  2. Jo-Ann Amadeo Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Judith Torney-Purta Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, Princeton, 08541, New Jersey, USA

    Matthias von Davier

  2. Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, Princeton, 08541, New Jersey, USA

    Eugenio Gonzalez

  3. Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, Princeton, 08541, New Jersey, USA

    Irwin Kirsch

  4. Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, Princeton, 08541, New Jersey, USA

    Kentaro Yamamoto

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Torney-Purta, J., Amadeo, JA. (2013). The Contributions of International Large-Scale Studies in Civic Education and Engagement. In: von Davier, M., Gonzalez, E., Kirsch, I., Yamamoto, K. (eds) The Role of International Large-Scale Assessments: Perspectives from Technology, Economy, and Educational Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4629-9_6

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