This document discusses democracy and education. It provides several quotes about democracy from notable figures like Winston Churchill and Madeleine Albright. It also shares perspectives from students about the current state of democracy and their experience of democracy in schools, with some feeling it is more like a dictatorship. It raises questions about the threats facing Australian democracy and signs of tyranny, and discusses the increasing stress and hostility in American high schools.

1. Democracy
and
Education
Cameron Paterson

4. “Democracy is the worst form of
government, except for all those
other forms that have been tried
from time to time.”
Winston Churchill

5. “When a
political
structure
continues for
centuries, it is
easy for
those who
have never
known
anything else
to assume
that it is
immutable.”

6. “While we look at the
screens of our televisions
and mobile phones,
others with agendas
have their fingers in the
pockets of our
democracy, on the credit
cards of our democracy.”
Philosopher A.C. Grayling

7. “Fascism and Fascist policies pose a more
virulent threat to international freedom,
prosperity, and peace than at any time since
WWII.”
Madeleine Albright

8. Now is the time to do what
philosopher Hannah Arendt called
on citizens to do: stop and think.

9. Current threats Australia is facing to democracy

10. What are the warning signs of tyranny?

12. Teaching and Learning in the Age of Trump: Increasing Stress and Hostility in America’s High Schools

13. “A good citizen of a
democracy is someone who
does not block out others’
right to show their
opinions.” (Jack)

14. ”A good citizen of
democracy has the
ability to accept that not
everything will go your
way.” (Samuel)

15. “I don’t know the
meaning of the word
‘democracy.’”
(Hunter)

16. “Our teachers don’t
help us live in a
democracy. We don’t
have one at school. It’s
a dictatorship.” (Lachie)

17. “Our teachers protect us
too much, too much
spoon-feeding.” (Lucas)

18. Curriculum delivery is not good for democracy. Just
when they are most ready to talk about being a
citizen, they are preparing for exams.

20. What can teachers do at this critical moment?