Teaching for Democracy’s Sake

James Beane

doi:10.23925/1809-3876.2017v15i4p1050-1080

Authors

James Beane National-Louis University, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/1809-3876.2017v15i4p1050-1080

Keywords:

Democratic classrooms. Student voice. Integrative curriculum

Abstract

Democratic classrooms place a premium on such things as student voice, integrative curriculum, problem-centered units, collaborative activities, multicultural resources, and reflective assessment. Getting started is not always easy and teacher autonomy is often limited but there are many ways to bring democracy to life in the classroom once we are determined to do so. This paper explores some of those possibilities.

Author Biography

James Beane, National-Louis University, USA

James Beane, now retired, is a former classroom teacher, professor, and school reform coach. He is the author of Curriculum Integration (1997), A Middle School Curriculum(1993), and Affect in the Curriculum (1990). He is also coauthor of Democratic Schools (1995), The Middle School and Beyond (1992), When the Kids Come First (1987), Self-Concept, Self-Esteem COMMA and the Curriculum (1986), and Curriculum Planning and Development (1986). Additionally, he was co-editor ONE WORD of Democratic Schools; and edited the 1995 ASCD Yearbook Toward A Coherent Curriculum. Beane has spoken at numerous conferences, has consulted for international educational projects, and served in leadership capacities for several education professional associations.

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