INTEGRATING CULTURAL HERITAGE INTO CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHING: CURRENT SITUATION, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

This paper examines the integration of cultural heritage into Civic Education at the lower secondary school level in Thai Nguyen city, Vietnam, focusing on the perspectives of educators. Cultural heritage, encompassing traditions, languages, historical sites, and artifacts, plays a critical role in education by fostering students' identity and appreciation of their cultural roots. The study utilizes a cross-sectional survey design involving 60 middle school teachers to assess current practices, challenges, and opportunities related to this integration. The findings reveal a strong appreciation among educators for the value of cultural heritage in enhancing the Civic Education curriculum. Teachers report that incorporating cultural heritage not only enriches the curriculum but also promotes student engagement and understanding of societal norms and values. However, significant challenges are identified, including limited resources, insufficient training, and curriculum constraints, which hinder effective integration. The paper suggests that providing more robust support systems, including professional development and access to extensive resources, could enhance the effectiveness of cultural heritage education. Furthermore, the study advocates for the development of partnerships between schools and local cultural institutions to facilitate richer, more accessible cultural education. Overall, this research highlights the potential of cultural heritage to transform educational practices and outcomes, suggesting pathways for policy and practice to better harness this potential within the Vietnamese educational system.