Have you done much thinking about democracy and what our schools might/should have to do with it? If so, what have you been thinking? If not, either do some thinking about it and report or consider why you haven’t been thinking about it.
Yuritzy Martinez~ In my opinion, I believe democracy is a big part of our school system or should be implemented. Though there are aspects of democracy in our schools like having electives we can choose from and extracurriculars, democracy is being pushed away from schools very slowly. For example, banning books or having certain religious topics in schools. With certain topics, everyone has their own beliefs they identify with. Sadly, I try not to think about it as much because of the split of values people have. I'm interested in learning more, and seeing how democracy is actually being implemented in schools.
Emma Finn- I think democracy belongs in schools on both a large scale and a small scale. On the larger side, our community should always be able to vote for our school board members and higher ups. Smaller scale, students should be able to choose between classes and have autonomy with their class schedule. I also think it should happen in the classroom with project choices or assigned reading choices. These are just a few of the examples I have come up with, but I feel like autonomy for students is really important for students intrinsic motivation. Students are more likely to desire to gain knowledge while moving through the school system if they get to choose to learn about what interests them. Obviously students don't choose everything they learn about, but giving them basic choices can spark intrinsic motivation.
Our discussion in class yesterday has encouraged me to think a little more about democracy in schools. Democracy is often present in schools, but that doesn't mean it is incorporated in productive or fair ways. It’s often uncommon for humans to believe or agree on the same things, so a strong democracy is a lot to ask for. Educators who have worked in the field for decades tend to be stuck in their ways and routines and may look at the classroom dynamic in a way that looks more like an autocracy. (not to the full extent, obviously.) Simple things such as student councils are the beginning of an effective democracy in schools but educators are the ones who need to be willing to hear their students. While I will always push for students to have a voice the systemic issues within the school system make it much more difficult.
Riley Baber- Honestly, I have never thought about democracy in schools or even connected the two before. Things like choosing classes, class elections, or even having the opportunity to choose the topic for a class project just always seemed like a "given" to me. They just always seemed like such small things that I'm used to that I have never connected it. When I was reading about this topic, I learned how important democracy is within schools.
Talia Gose: I have done a lot of thinking about democracy and how schools play a role. You learn about civics in school and government systems of course, but I feel that democracy as a system and what it truly entails isn't exactly presented to students, wholly or clearly. At least how it pertains to the real world. However, the student body elections are a very good way to provide students with simulation experience for real world democracy. I believe that democracy should take a bigger role in school systems and education overall. Becoming an adult and reflecting on how my k-12 public education impact my life truly helped me realize that there needs to be more awareness and freedom brought to children through education. One of the biggest aspects of democracy that I feel is overlooked is individual freedom. I feel this way as well because growing up I didn't question a lot. In school we were taught to obey the teacher, listen, learn, speak when called on, etc. I feel that I didn't have the space to truly question things, which I learned later on is one of the most important things in life. Having the freedom to learn why things are the way they are and not just what they are, I feel, would also help a child's perception and awareness of democracy and the freedoms it is supposed to entail.
When I talk about learning why things are the way they are, I do not refer to course materials, but rather school systems, dynamics, rules, regulations, etc. The things that genuinely impact a child's school experience. Explaining dynamics rather than expecting a child to listen obediently without question, sets them up to be and remain curious throughout life.
I really haven't though much about the role democracy plays in our schools. Since it's something I've always experienced, I just haven't paid any attention to it. Reflecting on my experiences; however, democracy in school is obviously very important because it allows students to have their own voice, and develop it over time. Students are provided an opportunity to learn how to express their opinions respectfully and thoughtfully.
Danny Trainham: I believe that democracy in schools is directly tied to the resources and opportunities that individual schools provide. For example, my high school did not have many electives, limiting its democracy. As a psychology major, I have always been interested in psychological concepts but could not learn them in high school due to the lack of a psychology course. I believe for true democracy to be present in schools, students should have many resources and opportunities to choose from. Additionally, many students are not able to attend higher education due to their financial situation. The cost of college is extremely expensive, and many cannot afford to take out loans, ultimately limiting the democracy in our school system.
Democracy and education are connected. Schools play a key role in shaping democratic societies, school should prioritize civic education to teach critical thinking, open dialogue, and participation, while also creating a safe space to have an understanding of diverse perspectives. Giving students the knowledge to evaluate information critically is crucial for an informed citizenry, especially in a generation of misinformation. But systemic inequities, underfunding, and standardized texting can impede democratic education, potentially reinforcing societal inequalities in a time of challenges to democracy, schools play a major role in creating responsible citizens.
Halie Murphy- I have not given much thought as to how our school system is connected to the idea of democracy but can see how our school system can be affected by democracy. Our school systems should play an important role in teaching generations about democracy and how to be an functioning member of society. Although I do feel sometimes our school systems fall short on this front, there are many correlations between democracy and schooling as schools should focus on representing all children and making sure that everyone is getting a fair and equal access to education. Things like clubs, sports, and class elections all teach children how to cooperate with others and find a place in society.
Alistair Kent here: I believe that some of the integral themes I get from democracy in our education system were also mentioned in the Labaree reading: That the school system has the responsibility to create responsible citizens that are able to make intelligent decisions and elect officials that will further their society. In order to have an efficient community we must start learning these qualities when we are young. The function of democracy doesn't only appeal to efficiency in the education system, but also to human rights and equality. This means that it is integral to our system to teach our children fair and equal treatment regardless of race, gender, culture, or anything else that makes us different. In my opinion, this very idea needs working on in order to establish democracy in our education system more efficiently. Children are not born prejudice or judgmental but are taught these ideologies either in the home or at school. While we can't fix the homes of these students, in schools we can create an environment of democracy and equality that will ensure the advancement of thought and behavior in our society.
Veronica Ardiente here: With the definition of Democracy in mind, I feel like there is some sort of Democracy in the Education System. It's how we are being taught or plan to teach. We have that freedom, where we can teach the way we want to. Not only that, but we make sure everyone, the teachers and the students, are being seen and heard.
Peyton Plummer I think I do often think about democracy in this current climate and especially how it is currently affecting public education. I do think that our school systems do lack democracy on the student side as well as for the educators. There isn't much choice for teachers as far as curriculum and how they are able to run their classrooms due to societal issues/disagreements that seep into school systems. I do believe that regardless of political opinion or label that all students and teachers deserve a safe and unbiased environment to work and spread knowledge to the younger generation who will grow to form their own opinions. Yet, with our current climate of banning books and certain curriculum it feels we are straying further and further away from an educational democracy.
Jordan Dent: I have thought a bit before about democracy and our schools being intertwined. There are things like student councils, PTAs, and school boards. I immediately think of my own experiences in school. One thing that comes to mind is school uniforms. I do recall entering 7th grade with a newly "reformed" middle school getting rid of uniforms because of what I suspect to be a loud student voice, which may have actually been more a rebellion/protest in the form of a variety of ways that students had previously found ways to get around the dress codes. Aside from this, I do think that having student voice and/or choice could possibly increase engagement or lead to more inclusive and immersive communities/experiences of learning. I do wonder how different a school is/would be based on who (school boards, employees, parents, students, etc.) is allowed the most/least decision-making power.
I have never really put much thought into democracy, especially when discussing it being involved with our school system. I do think it is essential for it to be implemented because our country is only getting bigger when it comes to politics. Our younger generations are getting more aware of what's going on around us in this country. I believe that is important to allow children to understand and have the right to learn about it. I feel like instead of them allowing the children to understand they are trying to take it away, for example, the history books that they are trying to ban or already banned that have been around for years and years in the school system.
Claire Cook: I have not done much thinking about democracy, or how schools are related to it. Now giving it thought, I do see the connection between the two. School is important to democracy because it starts with people learning how to work together, how to politely and professionally communicate their difference in opinions to each other, and how to participate in civic life.
I recently went on a tour of the Valentine Museum in Richmond. They talked about how there was no public school at the time the family lived in the house, but private tutors would be brought in to educate the family. Both boys and girls were educated which was progressive for the time. It was part of a concept in young America of “Republican Motherhood”. Women were educated because they were largely responsible for raising the next generation of young leaders in a burgeoning Democracy.
A Republic like ours only exists if we can keep it. And that requires an educated populace able to participate in its own governance. Like we saw recently with the water crisis, we now all had to learn pretty quick about water infrastructure.
Nida----I think the ideals of democracy are heavily embedded within our education systems. Like democracy, our education system encourages its students to make informed decisions by prepping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life. It also attempts to promote diversity and social efficiency, but I think the lack of quality in education and the access to such tools of knowledge is unequal in promoting democratic education. In other words, while education is heavily accessible it is incredibly unequal. If the elements of democracy including representation and equality are to be embedded within our education system, better reforms to grant equitable and extensive resources and funding for underserved communities most impacted should be promoted.
The definition of democracy that immediately comes to mind for me is "power to the people" or in this case; students. This is to ensure that everyone involved in the institution has an equal balance of say and value. Within schools, I think it can get tricky due to the need for order when it involves children, mainly the younger ones. But I do think that there could be more autonomy for the children involved. Schools prime us for jobs extremely early on; with the use of scheduling, bells, submission to authority figures, due dates, status rank due to grades, etc. I think this is actually where lots of "behavioral issues" come about--because you have some children who, rightfully so, do not agree with the expectation to be complacent in a controlling environment. They would rather side with their personal freedom to be as they would like to be. Maybe we could create a school environment where control/restriction wasn't so harshly implemented because this can also carry on to become inhibitors for people in the future. All people are born with the ability of free will; but rigid school structures can skew that sense of personal autonomy once its enforced continuously. throughout a students' life. For example; a child can be berated for "talking out of turn" all of their life and by the time they get to high school, they no longer have the motivation to facilitate relationships with their peers, even outside of the classroom. Students need to be able to exercise their right to personal autonomy for healthy development.
I honestly have never thought of the school system as a democratic style before attending class and realizing it once you mentioned it to us. It's a bit obvious now that you look at it from a bird's eye view considering all of the different aspect with class elections and whatnot. I have always had a belief that the system does a poor job of truly identifying talent within and tends not to challenge many of the children to their potential. This is one of the reasons I struggled with attending later in my high school years and failed myself in a sense due to the lack of parent involvement and understanding. I was a great student all the way through middle school but junior and senior years were more of a joke for me. I was able to pass with a decent GPA while skipping nearly half of each year and going to the beach instead.
I think there is a lot to think about when considering democracy in schools. There is the in school level, like elections, teams, clubs, and student councils who all take opinions from students and for students. There are also things like PTO's (Parent teacher organizations) that help with democracy behind the scenes. I believe schools could do better. I have gotten in trouble one time in school with a clean record and got a punishment I deemed to be unfair. I wish my parents were more involved, but that is in the past now. I hope schools can acquire more democratic processes that help students.
Rosalyn Harper One quote that I have read in regards to democracy as I have been reading is one by Thomas Jefferson, “the care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” In order to secure a good government and a fair democracy, you have to first look at the welfare of the people. In the context of schools, evaluating the welfare of students, teachers, and administrators is crucial. Everyone within a democracy and a school should have an equal opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns, and thoughts. There could be more fluidity in the amount of freedom that children are given; schools are most definitely established to maintain a capitalist mindset (really only exploring interests if it can become a career, using grades and class ranks to “work towards” something, forcing students’ compliance to authoritative figures). Environments that inhabit such forceful and strict expectations never end up being successful in producing the idea of freedom that’s so highly valued in a democratic society in general.
Cady Ayers During my own years of experience in public school, I’ve seen the different levels of democracy within the education system. The main aspect of a democracy is the ability to express different freedoms. Some examples in the school system are the existence of sports teams, the ability to assemble your schedule, and even voting for different students to have different roles in said school. Additionally, I believe there are many subtle lessons about democracy that we learn as we grow. For example, being part of a club can reinforce the idea that collaboration is essential for a “successful” democracy.
Elise Ginn I have not done much thinking about democracy in schools but online says that their simple things that go hand and hand in school that allude to democracy. Like voting for a specific animal to be a mascot or not interrupting a teacher when their speaking. But otherwise, I haven't done much research on the topic, but I'd love to learn more about it. Another thing is teachers are getting less and less creative outlets in their lectures and are starting to go more based on textbooks.
I have done a lot more thinking about democracy in relation to school systems since I have become more involved in education while at VCU. Schools should help kids critically think, participate in civic engagement, and be inclusive to strengthen democracy. They should teach students to question, participate, and collaborate while modeling democratic practices. Schools need to inform students so they can actively participate in society, helping ensure democracy thrives and grows through diverse and engaged communities.
Mia S- I have always believed that democracy is a strong part of our school system. Not just because there is a moral foundation of being able to make choices that is important, but the fact that I myself grew up with democracy makes me feel more passionate about it. I kept up with the school board because my mom is a counselor, and I would run in student council at school every year up until high school. These are all very simple and plain examples of democracy within schools, which all make things run smoother. It may require more effort but it is very valuable to have.
audrey p- Since I started taking education classes in these past few semesters, I have definitely done some thinking about democracy and its benefits in the school system. It is so important that students are able to give their input and have a decision in what they want to learn, or even how they want to learn. For a lot of kids, it's hard to dedicate yourself when there is a lack of interest, a boring classroom, but if students feel like their opinions are heard, valued, and even implemented, it would be very beneficial to the child's future.
No. I have never really considered democracy and schools' role in it. I have always considered schools a place to learn or socialize. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes that schools should also help us think critically and understand different viewpoints. School is more than studying and getting perfect grades; it also prepares us for the real world. For example, we should learn not just how to vote, but also how to get involved in our communities and stay informed and how our voice makes a difference.
Deborah Mattos - I haven’t ever really thought about democracy in schools because I see school as synonymous with learning with a touch of socialization, more as you get older. I saw it in student government, where students would elect their fellow students to be a voice for their class but I never really saw the promises be fulfilled, so I thought they had no real power. Since going to college I am seeing how school can help shape young minds to better assimilate to society after general schooling is done.
Yuritzy Martinez~
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I believe democracy is a big part of our school system or should be implemented. Though there are aspects of democracy in our schools like having electives we can choose from and extracurriculars, democracy is being pushed away from schools very slowly. For example, banning books or having certain religious topics in schools. With certain topics, everyone has their own beliefs they identify with. Sadly, I try not to think about it as much because of the split of values people have. I'm interested in learning more, and seeing how democracy is actually being implemented in schools.
Emma Finn-
ReplyDeleteI think democracy belongs in schools on both a large scale and a small scale. On the larger side, our community should always be able to vote for our school board members and higher ups. Smaller scale, students should be able to choose between classes and have autonomy with their class schedule. I also think it should happen in the classroom with project choices or assigned reading choices. These are just a few of the examples I have come up with, but I feel like autonomy for students is really important for students intrinsic motivation. Students are more likely to desire to gain knowledge while moving through the school system if they get to choose to learn about what interests them. Obviously students don't choose everything they learn about, but giving them basic choices can spark intrinsic motivation.
Our discussion in class yesterday has encouraged me to think a little more about democracy in schools. Democracy is often present in schools, but that doesn't mean it is incorporated in productive or fair ways. It’s often uncommon for humans to believe or agree on the same things, so a strong democracy is a lot to ask for. Educators who have worked in the field for decades tend to be stuck in their ways and routines and may look at the classroom dynamic in a way that looks more like an autocracy. (not to the full extent, obviously.) Simple things such as student councils are the beginning of an effective democracy in schools but educators are the ones who need to be willing to hear their students. While I will always push for students to have a voice the systemic issues within the school system make it much more difficult.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Duquette
DeleteRiley Baber-
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I have never thought about democracy in schools or even connected the two before. Things like choosing classes, class elections, or even having the opportunity to choose the topic for a class project just always seemed like a "given" to me. They just always seemed like such small things that I'm used to that I have never connected it. When I was reading about this topic, I learned how important democracy is within schools.
Talia Gose:
ReplyDeleteI have done a lot of thinking about democracy and how schools play a role. You learn about civics in school and government systems of course, but I feel that democracy as a system and what it truly entails isn't exactly presented to students, wholly or clearly. At least how it pertains to the real world. However, the student body elections are a very good way to provide students with simulation experience for real world democracy. I believe that democracy should take a bigger role in school systems and education overall. Becoming an adult and reflecting on how my k-12 public education impact my life truly helped me realize that there needs to be more awareness and freedom brought to children through education. One of the biggest aspects of democracy that I feel is overlooked is individual freedom. I feel this way as well because growing up I didn't question a lot. In school we were taught to obey the teacher, listen, learn, speak when called on, etc. I feel that I didn't have the space to truly question things, which I learned later on is one of the most important things in life. Having the freedom to learn why things are the way they are and not just what they are, I feel, would also help a child's perception and awareness of democracy and the freedoms it is supposed to entail.
When I talk about learning why things are the way they are, I do not refer to course materials, but rather school systems, dynamics, rules, regulations, etc. The things that genuinely impact a child's school experience. Explaining dynamics rather than expecting a child to listen obediently without question, sets them up to be and remain curious throughout life.
ReplyDelete- Talia
DeleteI really haven't though much about the role democracy plays in our schools. Since it's something I've always experienced, I just haven't paid any attention to it. Reflecting on my experiences; however, democracy in school is obviously very important because it allows students to have their own voice, and develop it over time. Students are provided an opportunity to learn how to express their opinions respectfully and thoughtfully.
ReplyDeleteDanny Trainham:
ReplyDeleteI believe that democracy in schools is directly tied to the resources and opportunities that individual schools provide. For example, my high school did not have many electives, limiting its democracy. As a psychology major, I have always been interested in psychological concepts but could not learn them in high school due to the lack of a psychology course. I believe for true democracy to be present in schools, students should have many resources and opportunities to choose from. Additionally, many students are not able to attend higher education due to their financial situation. The cost of college is extremely expensive, and many cannot afford to take out loans, ultimately limiting the democracy in our school system.
Democracy and education are connected. Schools play a key role in shaping democratic societies, school should prioritize civic education to teach critical thinking, open dialogue, and participation, while also creating a safe space to have an understanding of diverse perspectives. Giving students the knowledge to evaluate information critically is crucial for an informed citizenry, especially in a generation of misinformation. But systemic inequities, underfunding, and standardized texting can impede democratic education, potentially reinforcing societal inequalities in a time of challenges to democracy, schools play a major role in creating responsible citizens.
ReplyDeleteHalie Murphy-
ReplyDeleteI have not given much thought as to how our school system is connected to the idea of democracy but can see how our school system can be affected by democracy. Our school systems should play an important role in teaching generations about democracy and how to be an functioning member of society. Although I do feel sometimes our school systems fall short on this front, there are many correlations between democracy and schooling as schools should focus on representing all children and making sure that everyone is getting a fair and equal access to education. Things like clubs, sports, and class elections all teach children how to cooperate with others and find a place in society.
Alistair Kent here:
ReplyDeleteI believe that some of the integral themes I get from democracy in our education system were also mentioned in the Labaree reading: That the school system has the responsibility to create responsible citizens that are able to make intelligent decisions and elect officials that will further their society. In order to have an efficient community we must start learning these qualities when we are young. The function of democracy doesn't only appeal to efficiency in the education system, but also to human rights and equality. This means that it is integral to our system to teach our children fair and equal treatment regardless of race, gender, culture, or anything else that makes us different. In my opinion, this very idea needs working on in order to establish democracy in our education system more efficiently. Children are not born prejudice or judgmental but are taught these ideologies either in the home or at school. While we can't fix the homes of these students, in schools we can create an environment of democracy and equality that will ensure the advancement of thought and behavior in our society.
Veronica Ardiente here:
ReplyDeleteWith the definition of Democracy in mind, I feel like there is some sort of Democracy in the Education System. It's how we are being taught or plan to teach. We have that freedom, where we can teach the way we want to. Not only that, but we make sure everyone, the teachers and the students, are being seen and heard.
Allie Mann here, I do not live on campus, I commute. Therefore, I am not really present enough to notice where democracy is active or lacking at VCU.
ReplyDeletePeyton Plummer
ReplyDeleteI think I do often think about democracy in this current climate and especially how it is currently affecting public education. I do think that our school systems do lack democracy on the student side as well as for the educators. There isn't much choice for teachers as far as curriculum and how they are able to run their classrooms due to societal issues/disagreements that seep into school systems. I do believe that regardless of political opinion or label that all students and teachers deserve a safe and unbiased environment to work and spread knowledge to the younger generation who will grow to form their own opinions. Yet, with our current climate of banning books and certain curriculum it feels we are straying further and further away from an educational democracy.
Jordan Dent: I have thought a bit before about democracy and our schools being intertwined. There are things like student councils, PTAs, and school boards. I immediately think of my own experiences in school. One thing that comes to mind is school uniforms. I do recall entering 7th grade with a newly "reformed" middle school getting rid of uniforms because of what I suspect to be a loud student voice, which may have actually been more a rebellion/protest in the form of a variety of ways that students had previously found ways to get around the dress codes. Aside from this, I do think that having student voice and/or choice could possibly increase engagement or lead to more inclusive and immersive communities/experiences of learning. I do wonder how different a school is/would be based on who (school boards, employees, parents, students, etc.) is allowed the most/least decision-making power.
ReplyDeleteI have never really put much thought into democracy, especially when discussing it being involved with our school system. I do think it is essential for it to be implemented because our country is only getting bigger when it comes to politics. Our younger generations are getting more aware of what's going on around us in this country. I believe that is important to allow children to understand and have the right to learn about it. I feel like instead of them allowing the children to understand they are trying to take it away, for example, the history books that they are trying to ban or already banned that have been around for years and years in the school system.
ReplyDeleteAniyah Johnson-Lee
DeleteClaire Cook:
ReplyDeleteI have not done much thinking about democracy, or how schools are related to it. Now giving it thought, I do see the connection between the two. School is important to democracy because it starts with people learning how to work together, how to politely and professionally communicate their difference in opinions to each other, and how to participate in civic life.
Charlie Campbell:
ReplyDeleteI recently went on a tour of the Valentine Museum in Richmond. They talked about how there was no public school at the time the family lived in the house, but private tutors would be brought in to educate the family. Both boys and girls were educated which was progressive for the time. It was part of a concept in young America of “Republican Motherhood”. Women were educated because they were largely responsible for raising the next generation of young leaders in a burgeoning Democracy.
A Republic like ours only exists if we can keep it. And that requires an educated populace able to participate in its own governance. Like we saw recently with the water crisis, we now all had to learn pretty quick about water infrastructure.
Nida----I think the ideals of democracy are heavily embedded within our education systems. Like democracy, our education system encourages its students to make informed decisions by prepping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life. It also attempts to promote diversity and social efficiency, but I think the lack of quality in education and the access to such tools of knowledge is unequal in promoting democratic education. In other words, while education is heavily accessible it is incredibly unequal. If the elements of democracy including representation and equality are to be embedded within our education system, better reforms to grant equitable and extensive resources and funding for underserved communities most impacted should be promoted.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of democracy that immediately comes to mind for me is "power to the people" or in this case; students. This is to ensure that everyone involved in the institution has an equal balance of say and value. Within schools, I think it can get tricky due to the need for order when it involves children, mainly the younger ones. But I do think that there could be more autonomy for the children involved. Schools prime us for jobs extremely early on; with the use of scheduling, bells, submission to authority figures, due dates, status rank due to grades, etc. I think this is actually where lots of "behavioral issues" come about--because you have some children who, rightfully so, do not agree with the expectation to be complacent in a controlling environment. They would rather side with their personal freedom to be as they would like to be. Maybe we could create a school environment where control/restriction wasn't so harshly implemented because this can also carry on to become inhibitors for people in the future. All people are born with the ability of free will; but rigid school structures can skew that sense of personal autonomy once its enforced continuously. throughout a students' life. For example; a child can be berated for "talking out of turn" all of their life and by the time they get to high school, they no longer have the motivation to facilitate relationships with their peers, even outside of the classroom. Students need to be able to exercise their right to personal autonomy for healthy development.
ReplyDeleteI honestly have never thought of the school system as a democratic style before attending class and realizing it once you mentioned it to us. It's a bit obvious now that you look at it from a bird's eye view considering all of the different aspect with class elections and whatnot. I have always had a belief that the system does a poor job of truly identifying talent within and tends not to challenge many of the children to their potential. This is one of the reasons I struggled with attending later in my high school years and failed myself in a sense due to the lack of parent involvement and understanding. I was a great student all the way through middle school but junior and senior years were more of a joke for me. I was able to pass with a decent GPA while skipping nearly half of each year and going to the beach instead.
ReplyDeleteRob Horvath
DeleteMack Mboh
ReplyDeleteI think there is a lot to think about when considering democracy in schools. There is the in school level, like elections, teams, clubs, and student councils who all take opinions from students and for students. There are also things like PTO's (Parent teacher organizations) that help with democracy behind the scenes. I believe schools could do better. I have gotten in trouble one time in school with a clean record and got a punishment I deemed to be unfair. I wish my parents were more involved, but that is in the past now. I hope schools can acquire more democratic processes that help students.
Rosalyn Harper
ReplyDeleteOne quote that I have read in regards to democracy as I have been reading is one by Thomas Jefferson, “the care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” In order to secure a good government and a fair democracy, you have to first look at the welfare of the people. In the context of schools, evaluating the welfare of students, teachers, and administrators is crucial. Everyone within a democracy and a school should have an equal opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns, and thoughts. There could be more fluidity in the amount of freedom that children are given; schools are most definitely established to maintain a capitalist mindset (really only exploring interests if it can become a career, using grades and class ranks to “work towards” something, forcing students’ compliance to authoritative figures). Environments that inhabit such forceful and strict expectations never end up being successful in producing the idea of freedom that’s so highly valued in a democratic society in general.
Cady Ayers
ReplyDeleteDuring my own years of experience in public school, I’ve seen the different levels of democracy within the education system. The main aspect of a democracy is the ability to express different freedoms. Some examples in the school system are the existence of sports teams, the ability to assemble your schedule, and even voting for different students to have different roles in said school. Additionally, I believe there are many subtle lessons about democracy that we learn as we grow. For example, being part of a club can reinforce the idea that collaboration is essential for a “successful” democracy.
Elise Ginn
ReplyDeleteI have not done much thinking about democracy in schools but online says that their simple things that go hand and hand in school that allude to democracy. Like voting for a specific animal to be a mascot or not interrupting a teacher when their speaking. But otherwise, I haven't done much research on the topic, but I'd love to learn more about it. Another thing is teachers are getting less and less creative outlets in their lectures and are starting to go more based on textbooks.
Tola Reasons
ReplyDeleteI have done a lot more thinking about democracy in relation to school systems since I have become more involved in education while at VCU. Schools should help kids critically think, participate in civic engagement, and be inclusive to strengthen democracy. They should teach students to question, participate, and collaborate while modeling democratic practices. Schools need to inform students so they can actively participate in society, helping ensure democracy thrives and grows through diverse and engaged communities.
Mia S-
ReplyDeleteI have always believed that democracy is a strong part of our school system. Not just because there is a moral foundation of being able to make choices that is important, but the fact that I myself grew up with democracy makes me feel more passionate about it. I kept up with the school board because my mom is a counselor, and I would run in student council at school every year up until high school. These are all very simple and plain examples of democracy within schools, which all make things run smoother. It may require more effort but it is very valuable to have.
audrey p-
ReplyDeleteSince I started taking education classes in these past few semesters, I have definitely done some thinking about democracy and its benefits in the school system. It is so important that students are able to give their input and have a decision in what they want to learn, or even how they want to learn. For a lot of kids, it's hard to dedicate yourself when there is a lack of interest, a boring classroom, but if students feel like their opinions are heard, valued, and even implemented, it would be very beneficial to the child's future.
No. I have never really considered democracy and schools' role in it. I have always considered schools a place to learn or socialize. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes that schools should also help us think critically and understand different viewpoints. School is more than studying and getting perfect grades; it also prepares us for the real world. For example, we should learn not just how to vote, but also how to get involved in our communities and stay informed and how our voice makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteDeborah Mattos -
ReplyDeleteI haven’t ever really thought about democracy in schools because I see school as synonymous with learning with a touch of socialization, more as you get older. I saw it in student government, where students would elect their fellow students to be a voice for their class but I never really saw the promises be fulfilled, so I thought they had no real power. Since going to college I am seeing how school can help shape young minds to better assimilate to society after general schooling is done.