How do our course materials wrestle with the relationship between education, democracy, and citizenship?

The Role of Education in Democracy

The belief that education provides a basis for good governance means that it is essential in the growth of democracy. When it comes to providing services to the people, education is one of the main functions of the administration. A large amount of money is spent on schooling, and there are rules that make school enrollment mandatory, demonstrating the importance of education in a democratic society. The common belief in culture is that denying children the opportunity to pursue an education reduces their prospects of success in adulthood. Education is required when it comes to taking part in public duties and hence a significant framework for developing good citizens. It acts as an instrument for developing values in children such that they grow up to be responsible citizens and adjust well in the society. The fact that the state makes education a right illustrates its significance in promoting democracy (Willinsky 367). The significance of education in the society makes it necessary to analyze how course materials wrestle with the relationship between education, democracy, and citizenship.

Educating for Economic, Political, and Social Progress

Education is among the major facets of the society that contribute to democracy. John Dewey, in his article Democracy and Education, highlights his view of the structure of the U.S. whereby he puts into perspective his foresight of the nation as a state exhibiting continuous inquiry whereby its citizens take part in partaking educational experiences. Education plays a significant role when it comes to the promotion of economic, political and social aspects of life. It is a fundamental right such that every person is entitled to it regardless of the differences. It is among the basic needs and an element that contributes immensely to progress. It allows the transmission of information that assists in the intellectual development of an individual such that he or she can think critically when it comes to solving issues in life (Willinsky 367).

The Importance of Education in a Democratic Society

A democracy refers to a system of administration that consists of people who have been selected by the citizens. A democratic society highlights the essence of equal rights, considering the minority groups in the society, freedom of association, freedom of speech in addition to fair trials. The citizens work together with the government for the purpose of achieving the desired goal. Citizenship refers to the position that one has in his or her Education is perceived to be among the changes in a democratic society that bring about equality and promotes the development of values such that people grow up to be respectable and patriotic citizens. The curriculum contains aspects that promote moral growth and the importance of values. Subjects such as social studies and history equip students with knowledge about their history and the aspects of diversity such that they grow up appreciating their community and people that make part of it (Willinsky 368). Therefore, through diversity, education can be perceived to be a tool that enhances democracy.

Educational Research and Pluralism in Democracy

An issue that surrounds course materials is the presentation of educational research to the public. Willinsky explains that publicizing educational research facilitates the issue of diversity in the society (369). He presents the perspective that researchers allow plurality in their works through their views and methods of research and hence giving support to the democracy framework as a result of the differences in approaches instead of sticking to similar principles. He asserts that democracy accords few offers when people are perceived to be familiar with main issues surrounding them. Therefore, the aspect of pluralism presents the reason for the interest of democratic citizens in conversing and learning from each other. The idea is that course materials are necessary for promoting democracy such that people can associate with each other with understanding instead of putting into perspective the issue of individual differences (Willinsky 369).

Technology and the Spread of Democracy

Technology has influenced the methods in which people acquire information including in the education environment. Methods of obtaining course materials have become convenient and flexible such that students gain access to books without necessarily going to the library. The internet presents a wide variety of sources such that information on issues present in the society, issues such as the need for equality and proper values, are widely addressed. The availability of information that can be accessed any time regardless of the location of an individual contributes significantly to the spread of democracy. Therefore, it can be perceived that through technology (the internet and e-books), education has allowed the dissemination of information regarding social issues and hence progressing the growth of democracy (Willinsky 370).

Conclusion

As stated earlier, the significance of education in the society makes it necessary to analyze how course materials wrestle with the relationship between education, democracy, and citizenship. Education is among the major facets of the society that contribute to democracy. Through the curriculum, technology and the presence of scholarly studies, education has allowed the spread of information regarding democracy and hence establishing the perspective that it provides a framework for good citizenship. When people are aware of the democratic concept, they focus on being good citizens which result in societal progress.

Work Cited

Willinsky, John. Education and Democracy: The Missing Link May Be Ours. Harvard Educational Review, 72.3 (2002):367-392. Print.