Social Responsibility as Curricular Content into Initial Teacher Training in time of Crisis

Abstract

This research analyzes the level of social responsibility of undergraduate students in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from several Spanish universities (n=572). This analysis is considered a topic of interest for society which needs citizens who work ethically responsible and committed. Aspect that is especially relevant when it is talking about the teacher's professional work. The methodology used is quantitative, specifically, descriptive-correlational. In the collection of data, the research instrument is the ‘Questionnaire of Social Responsibility of the University’. A descriptive analysis of data is performed; variables that predict the global evaluation of the student's level of social responsibility and a multiple linear regression are explored. Results show very positive values in all dimensions of the questionnaire (commitment to others and the environment, personal discovery of values, social responsibility training and approach to professional practice from social commitment). It is interesting to note that the level of global social responsibility of the student has been significantly associated with high levels of commitment to others and the environment, the personal discovery of values and the formation of social responsibility. Finally, social responsibility is necessary to legitimize the function of higher education and the knowledge it transmits to students.