Opening Up Discussions about Sociology and Ways of Life within the Context of Civic Education

<p>I studied sociology in graduate school, and after obtaining a doctorate, became a teacher in the civics department of an integrated junior high and high school. My experience of teaching classes at this school highlighted to me the relevance and usefulness of sociology within the context of civic education. The school I work for is a private school that focuses on academic results and preparing students for university admission, and it has some unique characteristics that make it different from a mainstream school. Having made this disclaimer, in this report, I would like to describe the positive significance of sociology in civic education, reflecting on my lessons and showing details of those lessons. I will discuss this topic with a sociological approach in terms of theory and in terms of sociological knowledge on social issues such as poverty.</p><p>As part of my approach to lessons, I actively incorporate civic issues that are familiar and important to students, such as work–life balance, with the intention of enabling them to link these issues with their future ways of life. I also attempt to introduce students to aspects of my own experiences and problems that I have encountered in tackling civic issues as a citizen and in my experience of raising children, as a father. I believe that talking about my daily way of life as a teacher using a sociological framework enables me to communicate with my students about what makes sociology appealing and interesting.</p>