The development of civic values: case study of Taiwan

This chapter describes the study as it was conducted in Taiwan in three schools: a prestigious private Christian school and two public schools. The results suggest that because of the national curriculum policy, the aims and approaches to civic education are very specific and prescriptive. Furthermore, there was a strong continuity between national policy and school curriculum provisions. The educational experiences seem to be structured with an intention to achieve moral autonomy by interweaving school activities with discipline and attachment to social groups. Finally, although the principals and teachers viewed civic education as worthwhile and important, it was accorded low priority because of its low status on the high school entrance examination.