Monika Wernz - Demokratische Schulen, Schulstress, Schulangst, Lernblockaden, ADHS und Schulverweigerung -

 

School represents a very important factor influencing the socialization of every person and hence the growth and development of society as a whole. If we really want to live in a world in which people can act responsibly and in a self-determined manner, then we need an educational environment which is itself based on these characteristics.

 

Democratic education is synonymous with the right which every child has to self-determined learning. To ensure that children can actually exercise this right, one of the central principles of democratic education consists in maintaining a completely open attitude in respect of learning aims. This in turn is based on the conviction that children have a natural desire to learn, each one has his or her individual learning path and it is impossible to ‘improve’ this path by means of externally imposed curricula or targets.

 

Furthermore, it is recognized that each pupil has a right to participate in decision making processes. Each member of a school has a vote, and with it the right to have his or her opinions heard, to take responsibility for decisions and to influence policy.