Integrating Cultural Heritage into Civic Education: Practices, Challenges, and Prospects

Abstract

This study examines the integration of cultural heritage (CH) into Civic Education (CE) in lower secondary schools in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam, with a focus on teachers’ perspectives. Surveying 46 CE teachers, the research identifies both the pedagogical value and systemic challenges of CH integration. Teachers recognize heritage as essential for fostering civic responsibility, cultural identity, and student engagement. However, implementation is uneven, relying largely on individual initiative rather than curricular mandates. Key barriers include insufficient teaching resources, limited teacher training, and rigid curricula, which constrain experiential and interdisciplinary approaches. Despite these challenges, teachers express strong aspirations for clearer guidelines, expanded access to heritage materials, and professional development opportunities. The findings highlight the potential of CH as a transformative component of CE, while underscoring the urgent need for institutional support, school-community partnerships, and curriculum innovation. The study contributes strategic recommendations to strengthen heritage-based civic education in Vietnam