Just typed this in front of my 5th grader, and she asked "what is democracy"? We discussed it a little further, and when I asked her if she thought she could take part in a class that was run as a democracy, she said, "No, that would be crazy!" Well, there you have it, the functionality of democracy in a 5th grade classroom. I initially thought that a classroom could definitely have elements of democracy contained within it, but I now believe that not to be the case. I think that utter chaos would follow, and that at best, we as teachers can only attempt to provide exercises in democracy. The teacher ultimately has to lead the classroom and provide the structure and instruction.
While we can attempt to include elements of democracy such as allowing students to vote, come up with classroom rules etc., that is not truly democracy, but just an exercise in voting. I definitely thing that it is an attempt in the right direction, and an introduction to the idea of democracy...especially for the young learner.
While certainly we need to educate children in the ways of behaving in a classroom, being respectful to teachers and classmates etc., I sometimes wonder if we are teaching children to be too narrow minded and compliant. I don't know, there is a delicate balance between raising and creating respectful children who can assimilate in a classroom setting in order to learn, and raising children who are really thinking and asking why. For me, I think the that the respectfulness and ability to function in the educational system must come first, and then we ask them why, why do you think that is the answer, and what if?
I keep thinking about the project we did in class, and keep coming up with the same thought. We can teach about democracy, we can break down the rules and tell them how it has worked. When it comes to the actual lessons in democracy, though, it seems the best lessons are between the lines. Stay informed. Respect the opinions and rights of others. Construct your own opinions, don't just repeat what you hear.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to think of a lesson that helps them fully grasp the rights and repercussions of a true democracy without losing all control of your class.
I enjoy reading your posts Lisa and your prospective on teaching. I think that this is a difficult thing “democracy” to teach in class. I was in a group last week with Ramiz (spelling…sorry if that’s wrong!) and he teaches high school students…he seems to have a real grasp on not just setting rules for the class but he engages his students to participate in deciding which rules should be used. When I sub I think I help teach them to vote…I’m amazed by how much he is able to include the students and really is able to make them in charge. Some day I hope I’m able to “let go.”
ReplyDeleteWell, do the kids really need to participate in a "true" democracy? I would argue that they do not, simply because that is not the way "democratic" countries are run and that is not they way they should be run. If one was to conduct a lesson on "true" democracy, perhaps their students could make a series of decisions in which the outcome of a truly democratic vote is contrasted with the outcome of a majority rule vote with a system of checks and balances. Students would then learn the value of compromise and the reasons behind our prefered system of governmnent.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts around children’s behavior in the classroom and asking questions and challenging why were interesting. That’s an important part of any learning. Some kids do it a little too well with the constant “why” questions. This should be encouraged in the classroom. It helped me learn to be more empathetic to other views and nurtured healthy debate. Keeping students engaged in the classroom with this kind of environment is an instrumental part of a democratic classroom.
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