A Needs Assessment for Promoting Active Citizenship and Media Literacy Skills among Pre-service Social Studies Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the need to promote active citizenship and media literacy among pre-service social studies teachers. Questionnaires were distributed among 327 social studies lecturers and pre-service teachers, and structured interviews were conducted with six participants, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, and other academic experts at a Thai university. The quantitative data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Modified Priority Needs Index. Qualitative data from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed a very high level of need to enhance both active citizenship and media literacy skills among pre-service teachers. Specifically, the “attitudes and values” characteristic of active citizenship and the “ability to analyze media” characteristic of media literacy were of the utmost importance.