Revitalizing civic education through experiential learning

Faced with an increasing number of young Americans who are losing faith in U.S. democracy which further complicates the effects of democratic backsliding in the country, a Democracy Journal article advocates for an innovative way to approach one of the pillars of a democratic society — civic education.

A recent study by the Harvard Kennedy School found that 58% of young Americans aged 18-29 agree with the statement “Politics today are no longer able to meet the challenges our country is facing.” Furthermore, 57% of surveyed participants also agree that politics has become too partisan.

Coauthored by Danielle Allen, a political scientist and professor at Harvard University, and Carah Ong Whaley, an author, democracy advocate and The Democracy Group podcast host, “Educating for Democracy: The Case for a New Civics” challenges the current framework of civic education that emphasizes rote memorization through “classes or units that may only scratch the surface.” Instead, they proposed an approach that prioritizes critical thinking, active engagement and real-world application through exploring current events, discussing diverse perspectives and engaging with community issues to help students grasp the complexities of democracy.

Additionally, the authors emphasized the role of experiential learning through service projects, civic deliberation and interactive discussions to empower students to become active citizens. These hands-on activities can bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life civic challenges, thus fostering a sense of responsibility. The article also calls for the need to address polarization and misinformation, thus equipping students with the skills to critically evaluate information, engage in respectful dialogue and foster a healthy democratic culture.

‍Click here to read the full article.

Democracy Fix: Going on the Offensive Defense: Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes on AI, Security, and Public Trust

‍Carah Ong Whaley is a powerhouse in advocating for a more inclusive and just democracy. Her podcast Democracy Fix echoes this sentiment and seeks to examine how we can fix our broken political system through conversations with leaders from across the political spectrum. The first episode features Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and his plans to tackle misinformation and public distrust.

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Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People: How Can Art Eliminate Racism?

One of our partners "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People" is a pioneer of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This episode focuses on how art and creativity can break down walls and build genuine relationships across cultures through the stories of two artists. Give this a listen!

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