ABSTRACT VIEW
IDENTIFYING THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION IN NAVIGATING EMERGENCY CRISES: KEY LESSONS FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
S. Al Karasneh, A. Al-Barakat, B. Alakashee
University of Sharjah (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global reexamination of citizenship. As the crisis unfolded, traditional notions of civic responsibility and societal roles were challenged. This study investigates how citizens and governments adapted their behaviors in response. By analyzing specific examples, the research aims to understand the evolving nature of citizenship and its implications for society.

Key questions explored include:
- How did citizens demonstrate civic responsibility and engagement during the pandemic?
- What role did governments play in shaping citizenship practices and expectations?

Methodology:
To ensure the study captured a wide range of perspectives, a purposeful sampling technique was used. Participants were selected based on their expertise and willingness to share insights on the research topic. This approach aimed to recruit individuals who could provide valuable information due to their knowledge and experience in education, society, and politics.
A total of 40 participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, parents, government officials, academics, and community members, took part in the study. This diverse sample helped to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues being investigated. Using a qualitative method, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data after ensuring the validity and reliability of the instrument. This qualitative research method allowed the researcher to delve into the participants' experiences and insights.

Collection of Data and Analysis:
A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the interview data. This involved identifying and coding key themes and categories to uncover the most significant patterns and insights.

Two primary categories emerged from the analysis:
- Constructive citizenship behaviors: Examples of positive actions and behaviors exhibited by Jordanian citizens during the pandemic.
- Antisocial behaviors: Instances of irresponsible or detrimental practices that undermined social cohesion or hindered the crisis response.
These categories were further divided into subcategories, which will be discussed in detail. These characteristics represented different models and representations of citizenship. Following a discussion of these findings, some suggestions were made for future directions.

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the changing nature of citizenship in the face of global crises. The findings can inform policy decisions and future research on civic engagement and resilience.

Keywords: Citizenship education, Emergency crises, Crisis management, COVID-19 pandemic.