The school should have a social structure on the democratic model. The essence of a democratic system lies in the sharing of power and responsibility with others.
Responsibility and authority can be shared in a number of ways within the school system. It is in the school where the seeds of a democratic system must be sown. The school can create a real sense of appreciation for democratic norms by adopting them in its day-to-day life. Social and educational democracy should act as the roots of political democracy.
Educational democracy can be effectively implemented in many ways. Though matters like general educational policy and prescription of rules and regulations are matters for the staff, students must be given freedom to choose courses of their choice. Whenever the interests of the institution and the students are to be protected the wisdom and the experience of the teachers who represent the adult generation can be exploited fully.
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The best way of implementing educational democracy is by setting up committees of equal cooperation, where the staff and students meet as equals for the purpose in hand. This committee has both student and staff representatives. These committees can make decisions within certain definite limits and these decisions are generally not reversed, unless the head of the institution using his special powers of veto wishes to do so.
There are a number of avenues where pupils can take the maximum initiative and staff interference can be minimum. Pupil control does not mean absolute control but the decisions of the pupils have the dominant influence and are rarely challenged.
The organisation of school games, out of school activities and clubs can be cited as examples of areas where pupil control can be at the maximum. The staff can associate themselves with these activities but only in an advisory capacity and not in a controlling capacity.
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Many schools in recent time have conducted a very successful experiment in educational democracy known as the School Councils. The school council, really, represents all or most age groups in the school Elections are held to this organisation by the method of secret ballot and the staff representative who will sit on the council are selected by the head of the institution. The school council, itself, frames its own rules and regulations and discusses matters of importance to the school in a totally democratic setting.
Educational democracy inculcates in the young pupil a desire for sharing responsibility. School children are allowed to participate in the work and organisation of the school and this introit inculcates in the young the right attitude towards freedom and responsibility. Responsibility is not a value that can be learnt after one grows old or all of a sudden.
Feeling responsible and exhibiting a desire to participate in the group activities are the two essential elements of a democratic system. The young must be given a definite role to play in the group. Until a child is given a role to play in the group, he does not feel significant and unless he feels significant, he does not feel responsibility. Assigning responsibility to pupils not only makes them immediately answerable to the society.
Giving responsibility to the pupils is also training for leadership. Give the opportunity it is surprising how the pupils organise themselves and leader emerge. The seriousness and commitment with which children engage in these activities and the hard work which they carry out with things that interest them can also be observed when more individual freedom is given to them.