Improve democracy with education.

Chris Brennan 1234

Would love some feedback on this idea I've had. An educated population is the first step to a functional democracy.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Solution-to-Modern-Democracy-is-Education/182026225331964

cerastes

Couldn't agree more,
While I believe languages, maths, science and literature all have a part, how people view themselves and each other is something we seem to be seriously lacking.
Probably the reason there could be resistance to having what you suggest.

losullivan

I completely agree that there is a need to educate young people on the political process. Politics was supposed to be introduced as an exam subject at senior cycle a few years back, that seems to have been abandoned with the cutbacks. CSPE at junior cycle was never properly developed with it's timetable allocation limited to one period per week, it's way down on the list of subject priorities and not taken seriously by many.

Chris Brennan 1234

There is, and will be huge opposition to this idea from many in power. It is a scary thought for them to have to altar the way they operate in order to accommodate an informed and motivated population. The curriculum pre junior cert could be used to stimulate excitement and create awareness of social affairs, and could become more in depth at senior cycle level.

franzilein

The lack of political education is something that surprised me when I started looking into the Irish education system after I moved here from Germany. As far as I know, CSPE focuses very much on the factual side of things and is limited to the junior cycle. I think we need the introduction of politics as a compulsory subject for all students in second level education. But it should not be limited to one subject. In Germany, "civic and political education" is embedded in the curricula of all subjects in all schools (even primary). Every teacher (not just politics teachers, but also maths, science or language teachers) are obliged by the curriculum to enable their students to become responsible adults who are prepared to critically reflect on social/political issues, make conscious decisions and shape society. This can be achieved through allowing democracy in class (to a certain extent) or incorporating current affairs wherever possible (why not use a maths class on the calculation of percentage to talk about current tax issues?)

spurious

The LC follow on to CSPE has been ready for a good few years now, but no will from the powers that be to introduce it.

Chris Brennan 1234

Franziline, I was aware that in Germany they incorporate some philosophy and sociology but not to the extent you describe here. If that is the case, no wonder germany is the most successful country in Europe! Ireland, and every other country for that matter, would do well to realise the significance of this education as part of Germany's success! Our current CSPE program is too sterile and factual. We need to stimulate excitement and a sense on inclusion in our young. Teach them that society is a work in progress, and that they are the ones who will ultimately shape their own future.

Chris Brennan 1234

Spurious - this is true, but when introduced it will be an optional subject. This really misses the point I'm trying to make which is that by that stage (CSPE being what it is - seen as a once a week doss class by 95% of students) students are already disconnected from the idea of sociology and politics as something they can have any affect on, thereby rendering an optional LC class somewhat of a specialist subject, for people that want to be social workers or politicians. Everyone in a democratic society needs extensive education on what is a very complex subject, and one that we have no choice but to participate in.