Students across the nation begin their school day with the familiar words "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America." But for all its history and symbolism, many middle and high school students may not understand the concepts or purpose of the pledge, a UT Arlington researcher has found.

Leisa Martin, a UT Arlington assistant professor of social studies in the College of Education, analyzed responses from 100 middle school and 36 high school social studies students to questions about the Pledge of Allegiance for the study. Overall, the students said the Pledge evoked feelings of respect and loyalty.

But 9 percent of middle school students and about 28 percent of high school students surveyed said the Pledge meant nothing to them. More than 60 percent of the students said they had received no formal instruction to prepare them for the Pledge ceremony, according to the study published by the International Journal of Pedagogy and Curriculum.

"As the nation observes Independence Day, this is an opportunity to reflect upon our freedoms and obligations as citizens of the United States," Martin said. "While not all students understand the meaning of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance, educators can use the Pledge ceremony as a time to discuss the meaning of the words and to show how history has influenced the wording of the oath. Educators can also encourage students to discuss what freedoms they have as citizens and ways that they can be good citizens."

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