burgerschapsvorming

Burgerschapsvorming, literally citizenship formation, is a concept in education referring to the development of the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for participation in democratic society. It encompasses understanding political institutions and processes, rights and duties, and the ability to engage in public deliberation. The aim is to enable individuals to act as informed, responsible, and active citizens who contribute to social life and democratic decision-making.

Key competencies include political literacy, media literacy, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, empathy, and respect for human rights and diversity. It also covers participation skills such as dialogue, collaboration, and civic engagement in local communities. These competencies are developed through a combination of formal schooling, informal learning, and lifelong education.

In practice, burgerschapsvorming is typically integrated across subjects (for example social studies, history, language education) and through participatory methods such as debates, simulations, service-learning, community projects, and digital literacy training. The emphasis is on active, reflective learning rather than indoctrination, with teachers guiding processes and supporting learners to form their own informed judgments.

Policy context and aims: curricula and assessment frameworks seek to foster a shared sense of civic responsibility while respecting pluralism and freedom of expression. The concept is common in Dutch-speaking education systems and is often framed as a cross-cutting theme or integrated goal rather than a stand-alone subject.

Beyond schools, burgerschapsvorming is viewed as a lifelong process that continues in the family, workplace, and civil society, contributing to social cohesion and democratic participation.