Fostering Democratic Relations: Comparing Teacher Practices From Preschool to High School

• In Event: Democratic Citizenship in Education Paper Session 2

Abstract

In democratic societies, an important goal of education is to foster democratic citizens, which includes experiences of democratic relations. How do teachers interpret and carry out this mission? Are there differences between the levels of schooling and if so which? In an explorative study, interviews with teachers from preschool to high school were conducted and analyzed eliciting practical arguments (Fenstermacher & Richardson, 1993). They described their mission as intertwined in everyday activities, teaching democracy “as a way of life” in the spirit of Dewey. Whereas e.g. empathy was only discussed by preschool teachers, balancing equal relationships was addressed by all informants from preschool to high school. Progression of democratic learning runs parallel to addressing ever-present relational issues of democratic character.

Author

• Anneli Frelin, University of Gävle