Educating for Europe: The knowledge and understanding of British children

Abstract

Teacher educators from eight European countries undertook a collaborative study into children's understanding of their own national and European identity, their understanding of the geography and cultures of Europe and finally their understanding of how countries are governed. The views of the British children are reported here, set alongside a summary of those from the seven other countries. Findings indicate a confusion with the notion of British identity, a limited understanding of Europe's geography and peoples, but a high level of acceptance of those from other cultures and countries. The implications for geography teaching and for teaching about identity, tolerance, respect and European citizenship are discussed.