November Activity – My Democratic School - The ACTiZENS' Club Programme by Desh Apnayen

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever imagined a school where children are accorded all the rights and responsibilities of a democratic citizenship? Where students truly practice — rather than just read about — the principles of free speech, free association, and freedom to choose. Where students vote on the rules that affect them and serve on a jury to try those accused of violating these rules. It is a true training to prepare students for democratic citizenship. Many people doubt whether such a school would actually work. Many wonder whether children and teenagers, given such power, would make reasonable decisions either for the school as an institution or for themselves as individuals. Yet many such schools exist throughout the world and, by all reasonable standards, they have proven themselves to be successful. Such schools have produced hundreds of graduates who have gone on to succeed in all walks of life.

Explain the students that today we will discuss more about such schools and draw relation to this concept in the context of our own school through an activity called ‘My Democratic School’.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Students will be exposed to the concept of ‘democratic schools’.
Students will understand the pros and cons of having of democracy in school.
Students will apply their learnings to make their school more democratic.

Skills – Team Spirit, Communication skills, Critical thinking, Analytical skills

SESSION OVERVIEW

S. No.	Session Details	Expected Time Required
1.	Teachers kindly follow Steps 1, 2, and 3.	45 Minutes
2.	Teachers kindly follow Steps 4, 5, and 6.	45 Minutes

STEPS OF THE ACTIVITY

Period 1

Step 1: Introduction

Step 2: Video watching & discussion on it

Step 3: Planning for the next class

Step 1:

Start the session by introducing the topic in the class. (Kindly refer to the introduction given above)

Introduce the activity by saying that today we will try to understand the idea of ‘Democratic Schools’, and relate this concept to our own school through an activity called ‘My Democratic School’.

Step 2:

Display a small video to make them understand the concept.

https://youtu.be/RhUx1pArrO4

Conduct a discussion on the video to make them understand the concept of ‘democratic school’ and finer elements of the same.

Teacher can ask questions like–

Do you see any difference between a regular school and a democratic school? What are some of these differences?
Do you think schools should be fully democratic as mentioned in the video displayed? Yes/No, and why?

What are some of the ways through which you can make your school more democratic?

Teacher can discuss each statement in detail and explain its context in relation to democracy.

After the concept of democratic school is clear with students. The teacher can move towards planning the next class.

Step 3:

Prepare for the next class (20 min)

1.Divide class into 6 groups – 3 groups for fully democratic school and 3 groups for regular school.

2.Each group will prepare a roleplay by choosing one topic out of the list given below-

Choice of subjects for students in Grade 8
Admission policy in the school
Assessment Pattern for 6th- 8th Grade
Time-table setting for the academic year
Clubs to be open in school starting this academic year

3.Explain that groups can select their own topic and decide the role of each team member keeping in mind the type of school assigned to them.

4.If required, explain that groups can select roles such as Principal, management/trustee, parent, teacher, Council Member, students, non-teaching staff etc (Don’t give too much direction, let them explore and apply their creativity)

5.Give enough time to the groups to discuss the topic selected and how they would like to perform the role-play. If time permits, they can write dialogues too or they can meet offline and work on the same.

6.Ask groups to come prepared with their role-plays in the next class.

a. For Research and preparation, share these links with the students-

Democratic schools group students can research on the topic- ‘Democratic Schools’ Reference link: Democratic Schools - Evolving Education

(Refer annexure for additional links, if required)

Regular school group students will research on their own school and general school system in India.

Refer: Your school Handbook/Rule book/school website

Period 2:

Step 4: Main Activity

Step 5: Discussion and Debrief

Step 6: Explanation of Reflection Sheets & Feedback Form

Step 4:

Main Activity–

Students’ group will come forward to perform.
Role play can be of 3-4 minutes for each group.
Guest teacher/Spoc teacher can be the observer and give feedback.

Step 5:

Debrief

The teacher can debrief the session with questions, like-

Which system of school you liked better, and why?

If students need to make choices of timing, discipline, subjects, exams, and other important things, how will this change the current school system?
Do you think fully democratic schools are possible for a country like India? Which important decisions of school can be taken by students to make them more democratic?

Step 6:

Explain the reflection sheets & fill the feedback form

Teachers to kindly fill in the feedback form and remind students also to fill up the reflection sheets.

REFLECTION SHEET (TO BE FILLED BY STUDENTS)

ANNEXURE 1

Few highlights of a democratic school are as follows:

Students take an active role in teaching-learning process, exploring and deciding what they want to learn, working to achieve goals set by no one else but them.
They make decisions about all educational areas: coexistence rules, activities, excursions, and conflict resolution.
Democratic schools believe meaningful learning arises from experience.
The students have total freedom to move in different spaces, use the available materials, and choose the activities according to their interests.