EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP: DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF OPTIONNAL COURSES

Abstract

The main characteristics of education for democratic citizenship are analyzed in the framework of European dimension. The basic principles and approaches of education for democratic citizenship in European countries are underlined. Education for democratic citizenship is analyzed in the context of democratization processes. The key terms are in the focus of the article. In 2010, the Council of Europe member states adopted the Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education, which provides a common framework for action in this field. Three components are in the context of the citizenship competence in the framework of education for democratic citizenship. They include capacities in political analysis and judgment, the use of democratic decision-making methodology and active participation. The school community is conceived as a sphere of authentic experience where young people can learn how to participate in democratic decision making and may take responsibility. Key concepts for education for democratic citizenship and human rights education are taught as tools of life-long learning. The feature of education for democratic citizenship in general secondary education in Europe is that the content, forms and methods of learning are based on three dimensions – “learning about democracy and human rights”/”learning for democracy and human rights”/”learning through democracy and human rights”. This enriches the role of teacher and student in the learning process. Considering the current approaches to understanding basic concepts and approaches in the implementation of education for democratic citizenship the leading idea of this area is to encourage students to their becoming active citizens who are able to participate in the life of the society through education for democracy and human rights.