The Whole Child

Post submitted by Whole Child Blogger Ashley Magnifico.

When you think about engaging your students in learning and motivating them to take these lessons home with them, do you think of democratic education as one model of a whole child approach to education?

The concept itself is not exactly new. Democracies throughout the world have always required such an educational system to keep the mission of their founders alive for each new generation. In fact, more than 60 years ago, 48 countries of the United Nations explicitly dedicated themselves to its ideals with the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This historic document states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” and “all peoples and all nations . . . shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms.”

Actually implementing the democratic education model requires a lot more work and dedication than merely signing one’s name to a piece of paper. Recent trends show that schools still have a long way to go. Though today’s kids are remarkably open to new information and ways of thinking, few of them have the tools and support to translate their thoughts into action. Life in the Internet age gives young people practically endless opportunities to expand their knowledge of the world, which should translate easily into constructive discussions and community participation. However, compared to earlier generations, they are much less likely to vote, to follow politics, and to discuss political issues.

It is no coincidence that this corresponds with the demise of the traditional civics model. Rather than emphasizing active democratic citizenship, many school systems limit civics education to generic “government” classes that merely require memorizing a few key terms and major court decisions from decades, even centuries past.

Recognizing this, in 2001 ASCD and the First Amendment Center launched First Amendment Schools, a program dedicated to keeping the historical vision of American schools alive under the principles of democratic freedom, rights and responsibilities, community engagement, and active citizenship. First Amendment Schools yielded great successes and learning experiences within the project and affiliate school systems—and now it’s time to expand the scope.

While the First Amendment freedoms have wide implications for the United States, we live in an increasingly global society, one in which a nation’s progress depends on understanding the world beyond its borders. Democratic education provides opportunities for students all over the world to learn about and understand other perspectives, and to develop a commitment to protecting the inalienable rights of all. Educators should make sure students fully understand these rights and responsibilities, encourage thoughtful discussion of these issues, and motivate students toward community and political engagement.

But this raises the question of how to implement these concepts: What are good methods for educating about freedom and social responsibility? How do you build a constructive dialogue in the classroom—and better yet, encourage students to take their ideas beyond the schoolhouse gates?

Visit Democratic Education on ASCD.org for ideas on how to get started, and be sure to join the discussion at the Democratic Education group on ASCD EDge to share your own ideas and experiences.