DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION:
MORAL DIMENSIONS OF TEACHING
The Mission of Teacher Education in a Center of Pedagogy Geared
to the Mission of Schooling in a Democratic Society.
From Dr. John Goodlad, National Network for Educational Renewal
Providing Equal Access to Knowledge for all Children
Providing equal access to knowledge and opportunity to learn for all students (children and youth) in society regardless of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic factors, or learning abilities.
* All students can learn. Equity of opportunity is essential.
* We must remove barriers to learning. Access to knowledge is
critical.
* We must provide kids with essential skills for learning.
* Students must learn "how" to learn as well as what
they need to learn.
* We must confront issues such as gender, minority, and labeling
kids.
* Students must not only acquire knowledge/information but learn
how to use it.
Engaging in a Nurturing Pedagogy
Practicing a nurturing pedagogy (the art and science of teaching)
to provide the support, caring and encouragement to all students
for their development in both knowledge and behavior skills and
to build relationships that enhance learning.
* We must create a caring environment and community where children
can learn..
* We must have respect for what kids know and help them share
what they know.
* Caring involves having high expectations for all students.
* It is essential that we make connections to the larger world
outside schools.
Enculturating the Young in a Social and Political Democracy
Teaching and modeling for young people what it means to live productively in a democratic society. Teaching students to be full participants in a democracy and to understand the rights, rules, and responsibilities of an educated citizen.
* We need to insure that democracy remains alive and real.
* Democracy must be an "active construct." We must create
personal experiences
within schools which prepare kids for democracy.
* Citizenship skills must be taught and practiced.
* It is important that schools model democratic processes.
* We must instill the attributes which are essential for a democracy
to function
effectively.
* Knowing our history is important.
* Understanding the key connection between knowledge and freedom.
Ensuring Responsible Stewardship for Schools and Education
Acting as responsible stewards of education and the well being of our communities and our lives. Empowering oneself as both owner and partner of your classroom, your building, your district, your community as a caretaker and advocate of public education and the public good.
* Teachers must learn to stand up for what they believe in.
* Teachers must be empowered to stand up for best teaching practices.
* Schools and communities are interdependent. They need to be
brought together
to further understanding of the relevance of education to the
public good.
* Schools and teachers need to see the global view of education
in a democracy.
* Teachers must teach their students to learn to appreciate and
learn to act to protect their environments, their community structures
and standards, the preservation of those ideals and actions that
promote the betterment of all.
* Teachers must be change agents and teach their students by modeling
how to make a difference in their world.