Can schools save democracy? Lessons from forgotten educational ideals
Democracy is in crisis, and our schools may hold the key to saving it. Across the world, education is being reshaped by competition and performance metrics, yet the roots of democracy begin in the classroom.
Consider this example: A new primary school in a suburban area has recently opened its doors to pupils from year one to year ten. Together with the principal, the members of staff have carefully designed the school’s organisation and everyday teaching practices to allow for the pupils’ participation in decision making.
Their conviction is that to facilitate the development of active, informed citizens capable of independent and critical thinking, the school should be practised as a democracy. Pupils are expected to participate in decisions on the content and methods of teaching as well as to be part of the school democracy through class councils, a school magazine, different communities and the pupils’ school council.
www.praeventionstag.de