T-ACT Survey Highlights
Teachers Key Findings
Focus Areas:
- Most commonly taught Active Citizenship (AC) topics were Human and Children’s Rights (47%) and Media Literacy (46%). Least taught were Diversity & Gender Equality (20%) and Political Participation (27%).
- Information Literacy (IL): Emphasis on Correct Sources (67%), Fake News (64%), and Digital Skills (60%). Topics like Sexting and Grooming are often avoided.
Challenges:
- Sensitive topics like politics, sexuality, and diversity are often viewed as taboo.
- Teachers with 10–15 years of experience report lower confidence and higher need for quality teaching materials—aligned with the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Needs Identified:
Structured, adaptable teaching materials (especially in Belgium); demand for support tools is greater in schools using integrated curricula.
Learners Key Findings
Topic Exposure:
- Students report more frequent exposure to AC/IL topics than teachers indicate.
- Highest awareness in Fake News (73%) and AI (54%).
Preferences:
- Students wish to learn more about Politics and Personal Finance. Some also list politics as a topic they would prefer to avoid—highlighting its polarizing nature.
Disliked Topics:
- Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Grooming are commonly rejected due to discomfort.
Curriculum Structure
- Teachers in separated curricula cover slightly more AC/IL content than those in integrated or unaware settings.
- Awareness of curriculum structure significantly impacts topic coverage.
Conclusions:
- There is a clear disconnect between what teachers feel comfortable teaching and what students want (or need) to learn—especially on sensitive topics.
- Better training, clearer curriculum integration, and access to ready-to-use educational materials are essential for advancing critical thinking education across diverse school environments.