Content of the Democracy in the Classroom for Teachers Training
Democracy is highly desirable in education but its implementation is controversial. Making the learning process a more democratic experience for students is indispensable for classroom decision-making. In this context, the co-determination of democratic principles in the classroom and the creation of a democratic classroom environment is a common product of collaboration between teachers and students. Through this teacher-student partnership, students have the ability to take more responsibility for their own learning and tend to be more motivated.
We offer to teachers the fundamental and key elements of creating a democratic classroom environment and the active participation of students in the decision making processes with comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge through the ’Democracy in the Classroom’ teacher training course. The main purpose of this training program is to teach democracy as a part of the curriculum, and to actually implement democratic principles in the classroom.
This 5-day training program has been prepared in a way that includes various activities and innovative approaches that can be implemented in the classroom. The course also aims to deepen teachers' experiences and knowledge of the concept of democracy, strengthen critical perspectives, and create a democratic environment in which every student is equally involved in decision-making. In this context, our course program includes methods for teaching tolerance and diversity to students, motivating their participation and finding solutions to potential obstacles.
Outcomes for Training
By completing this course, participants will;
• Understand the importance of democratic learning environments that helps to improve students’ personal and educational life
• Realise the contribution of teaching tolerance and respect in the classroom
• Have a deep knowledge on the principals of democratic classroom management
• Learn about practical tips to be applied in real life classroom to improve the teacher-student collaboration in a democratic class environment
• Introduce innovative methods in to classrooms to promote democratic classroom culture
• Be fully equipped in terms of management of in-class disputes and crisis management
• Improve foreign language and communication skills through meeting with colleagues from different countries
Training Programme
Classes take place Monday to Friday in the Morning (9:30 – 13:30) or in the Afternoon (14:30 – 18:30)
• Day 1 - Monday
Welcoming and Introduction of the course programme
Presentation of participants
Ice-breaking activities
Define the basic concepts related to the democracy, equal participation, decision making processes and mechanisms
Application of these terms into the classroom activities
Fundamental elements of democratic environment in education
What are the promises of democratic class management?
The importance of decision making processes in the classroom and functions of decision making mechanisms
• Day 2 - Tuesday
Historical context of democratic education and its evolvement
Differences between traditional and democratic classroom environment
Identification of possible obstacles and challenges against democratic classroom, sharing experiences
Innovative methods to overcome challenges in building democratic classroom environment
Possible in-classroom activities related to theme democracy and active participation
How should be an ideal democratic classroom environment, theoretical and practical aspects
• Day 3 - Wednesday
Definition of the roles of teachers, educators, school staff and trainers in democratic education.
Necessary applications to promote collective decision-making in the classroom (classroom meeting, crisis management, to strengthen face to face communication, to provide healthy discussion environment in the classroom)
How to improve students’ ability to take responsibility in the classroom
How to support students to manage their behaviours through more democratic approaches in the classroom
Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to teach tolerance and respect to diversity in the classroom
• Day 4 - Thursday
How to enhance teachers’ democratic class management skills and behaviours
Challenges towards the improvement of teachers’ behaviours/skills through personal/environmental obstacles and the importance of overcoming them
The importance of critical thinking in decision making processes
Does the democratic class environment contributes to the peer communication?
Students’ active involvement in decision making processes in the classroom and its effects on students problem-solving skills
The importance of democratic class environment in solving in-class disputes among students
The importance of collaboration and solidarity in a democratic classroom
How to let students to choose?
Participants will work on a project about democratic classroom in groups or individually
• Day 5 - Friday
Presentation of group/individual projects: Democratic Classroom Simulation
Sharing expected learning competences during the training period with other participants
How can I implement what I have learnt in my professional and personal life
Evaluation of the training course, discussion and feedbacks
Exchange of ideas for future collaborations at European level
Certification of Attendance
Confirmation of EuroPass Mobility documents
Fees of the Training
5 Day Course Fee per person: 400 €
Total Price Includes;
- Administrative support before, during and after the training course
- Course and training materials
- Certificate of Attendance
- Confirmation of Europass Mobility Certificate
- Administrative and Organisational costs
- Coffee Breaks
- School Visits (if scheduled in advance)