As part of the Finnish Living Lab within the EU-funded DEMOCRAT project, nearly 200 future teachers at the University of Jyväskylä participated in an ambitious university course aimed at translating democratic values into classroom practice. The course, organised for soon-to-graduate subject teachers from a wide range of disciplines, challenged the students to explore the concept…
Young people can actively shape democracy, and they want to be part of it. Adults are responsible for empowering them in this process by creating open spaces, meaningful learning opportunities, and supportive frameworks for democratic education. Strong democratic education is developed locally through cooperation among key stakeholders. The German Children and Youth Foundation (DKJS) has…
Introduction Carme Royo (Executive Director) and Diana Treviño-Eberhard (Project Manager) of eucen, along with partners of the DEMOCRAT project, have recently published an innovative practice paper in the European Journal of University Lifelong Learning (Vol. 8, No. 2, 2024). Their work highlights the critical role of universities in promoting liberal democracy and fostering a responsible…
Policy Challenges and Envisaged Changes in Digital Learning In recent years, the use of online learning tools in education has increased significantly in most developed countries. This trend was further accelerated by the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent school closures in 2020. Given the increasing prevalence of these tools and their likely integration into mainstream…
Building a Democratic Future with Education In today’s world, democracy faces a unique set of challenges, from the spread of misinformation to political polarization and global crises like climate change. As these issues evolve, so does the need for a well-informed and engaged citizenry. Education for Democracy (EfD) is one of the most effective ways…
Building a Democratic Future Through Education for Democracy As we navigate today’s world filled with pressing challenges—like rising polarization, environmental crises, and digital shifts—there’s a critical need to rethink how we approach democratic education. Enter the DEMOCRAT project: a forward-thinking initiative aiming to transform education across Europe by focusing on Education for Democracy (EfD). By…
The Evolving Threats to Democracy Education for Democracy (EfD) emerges as an essential approach to equip citizens—especially young people—with the knowledge and skills to address these critical challenges and uphold democratic values in today’s interconnected world. Democracy as a political and social order is increasingly under pressure worldwide, facing complex and interconnected challenges. Rising polarization,…
Education for Democracy – A Cornerstone of European Identity Democracy forms the bedrock of European identity, uniting diverse nations under shared values of freedom, justice, and responsible citizenship. With growing polarization, advancing digitalization, and urgent sustainability needs, European democracies face unique challenges. Education for Democracy (EfD) emerges as a vital tool to address these concerns,…
As modern democracies face a range of social challenges, fostering democratic values from an early age has never been more critical. Project DEMOCRAT is leading the way by introducing social innovation into educational settings, providing a framework for democratic engagement that benefits students, educators, and communities alike. Here, we explore four transformative ways that social…
Marta Warat and Paulina Sekuła, scholars from the Jagiellonian University and members of the DEMOCRAT project consortium, recently participated in the 16th European Sociological Association (ESA) conference held in Porto from August 27th to 30th, 2024. The conference, themed “Tensions, Trust and Transformation,” gathered around 4000 sociologists and researchers to discuss social changes and the…
Introduction to Digital Literacy in Disadvantaged Schools Parents International is participating in DRONE, a Horizon Europe project focusing on digital literacy and supporting digital citizenship education, particularly for disadvantaged students and schools. We are conducting primary research with students, teachers, parents, and school leaders in the Netherlands and Germany, and supporting our Hungarian partner in…
Day 1: Unveiling the Role of Education in Democratic Citizenship The DEMOCRAT Conference in Tallinn offered a stage for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to delve into the crucial nexus of education and democracy. Spanning two days, the conference featured enlightening discussions, research presentations, and collaborative sessions aimed at exploring the challenges and opportunities in democratic…