Public Education and Democracy Making Essay

It is a fundamental principle of good democracy that those in power should be open to criticism and this is only possible if the education system provides the necessary skills and training in investigative thinking and inquiry. This aspect is also important in terms of the growth and development of the individual. Without an inquiring mind the individual is not able to fully explore the world around him or herself and to expand personal horizons.

A third related aspect of public education is that it should provide the necessary content and material that can facilitate the democratic process. Public educationists should prepare their students for dealing with real - world scenarios and activities. This enables the individual to play a proper part in the democratic process. By this is meant that subjects such as history and political culture should be offered in public schools in order to provide the background to the political and democratic process in that country. Knowledge not only empowers the individual to explore and understand his country, but it also is an essential factor in making the democratic process function. For example, knowledge of civic and social history is essential in order to provide the citizens with the ability to make decisions and judgments about who to elect etc.

Another important aspect that education should inculcate in students is the awareness of the way that the media and various organizations can manipulate information.In other words, good education in terms of learning about democracy also means being aware of the implications of decisions and the responsibilities that come with the freedom of choice. Students should also be trained in problem solving activities which promote critical thinking and which enhances their ability to take a useful and intelligent part in the democratic process.

All of the above aspects are interrelated. The purpose of education in a democratic country is to provide the very foundations of the democratic process. "Educational resources need to be directed towards increasing people's awareness of the relevant facts about their lives, and to increase people's abilities to act upon these facts in their own true interests. " (Saving Public Education - Saving Democracy) Without education there can in reality be no free and fair elections. If the people are not aware of the issues and if they are not educated in the history of that country and its social and political issues, they cannot make informed decisions.

Works Cited

Saving Public Education - Saving Democracy. 9 January,….....