By Gustavo Rojas Ayala
I recently had the opportunity to join my very good friend and colleague, educator Elisa Guerra on her podcast, diving deep into the world of democratic education. We based our conversation on the principles from the book I recently published as co-editor, “Designing Democratic Schools and Learning Environments: A Global Perspective.” This discussion wasn’t just theoretical; it was about real-world applications that can revitalize learning for students and educators alike, and even breathe new life into Democracy itself.
The book offers a rich tapestry of 38 chapters detailing experiences from 14 different countries, serving as a comprehensive guide to the challenges and innovations in creating democratic educational spaces. In our chat, we dissected this framework with practical examples and probing questions. Here’s a brief rundown:
1. Open Flow of Ideas: Democratic schools thrive on the free exchange of thoughts.
2. Quality and Equity: High standards and fairness are non-negotiable in democratic education.
3. Common Good: Democratic education is a collaborative mission requiring consensus and active participation.
4. Community Collaboration: Addressing shared challenges is crucial for democratic education projects.
Discussing the intersection of democracy and education, we stressed the importance of nuanced, context-sensitive approaches when reflecting and acting. Building democratic education is far from a straightforward and black-or-white endeavor; there’s no manual or one-size-fits-all solution. Schools often face significant challenges in adopting more democratic methods, particularly in managing disagreements and fostering collective decision-making.
These challenges are not exclusive to educational institutions; they mirror broader societal needs for diversity and inclusive dialogue. This is why activating a conversation about how schools can embrace democracy as a means of transformation and improvement is so crucial nowadays. When educational initiatives inspired by democratic values navigate the complexities and messiness involved, they become proof that democracy is not something given to societies by someone, but a journey of continuous creation and recreation that needs everyone’s involvement.
Of course, building democratic schools and learning spaces is also a great path for achievement and realization. During the podcast, we explored how democratic schools enhance students’ sense of belonging and responsibility toward their academic and personal growth. We also touched on the benefits for teachers, including a more collaborative work environment that boosts professional satisfaction. Such an environment ensures that the democratization process is authentic and self-driven, rather than imposed.
To catch the full conversation, originally in Spanish, you can click right here: Elisa Guerra’s Podcast on Democratic Education.
