Role of Higher Education in Civic Learning: Perception of University Students

Abstract

Citizenship is a vital aspect of higher education around the World. Universities are expected to cater the need of citizenship education to provide skilled and responsible management for the development of nation. However, there is too scarce research to make any claim about the views of university graduates concerning citizenship. Consequently, it was considered quite imperative to conduct a study to examine knowledge and practices of citizenship among university students. This study used a questionnaire and a sample of 1500 BS students from 15 private and public institutions in Pakistan to investigate the features of good social responsibility among university students. The results of the study (i.e. mean, percentage, and chi-square) revealed that students were strongly in favour to build up courtesy/morality, social responsibility, accountability/ critical thinking and patriotism. They have urged to contribute to society and provide services for human well beings; they were moderate, trustworthy and avoid discrimination. Majority of students honor property rights‟ and race; have firm faith in welfare of their motherland; possess good moral conduct and respect authority of rules. The development of citizenship as a crucial subject may be mandated by higher education institutions, and they may make every effort to support it using all resources available.