Teaching about the European Union : A study about four teachers context in European Union studies

Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyze four upper secondary school teachers regarding their educational focus on the European Union (EU). Furthermore, it is assessed what effect the growth of EU has had on content taught in Social Science A. The result of this study is contrasted with prior studies having a similar focus. To achieve the purpose of this study, five research questions were created. Conducting interviews of a qualitative character were chosen as the method for collecting information to answer the research questions. The interviewees were teachers of different sex, different professional experience regarding years and area of teaching. The interview questions were of a narrative kind yielding approximately half an hour long interviews. The study shows that the most common areas taught are: the history of EU, the institutions (foremost; the Minister Council, the European Parliament, and the Commission), and how EU and Sweden relate to and affect each other. Although the content taught by the different teachers is equivalent, the teachers differ in what parts they choose to emphasize. Changes in the content taught resulting from changes in the syllabus are stressed by two of the interviewees. No differences depending in years of experience were detected. However, there exists a difference in the emphasis of different parts between teachers in programs preparing students for further studies and teachers serving in occupational preparing programs. To conclude, the educational content taught by the four interviewees is considered to be equivalent. From a democratic perspective I believe that this is a conclusion of great importance.