Factors and challenges of successful education for civil society

Abstract

This article concerns education for civil society through regular schooling as a significant issue of preparing children and young people for life in a modern, complex society. The paper aims to improve our understanding of the concept and the objectives of education for civil society, the role of the teacher, the role of teaching methods and the influence exerted by school culture. It also seeks to point out serious implications and open questions concerning our school practice. The article brings findings from several relevant studies emphasizing their significance for the improvement of our educational practice in relation to civil society. It places particular emphasis on the importance of interactive working methods, functional attitude of the civil society oriented teacher as a role model for students the atmosphere in which students can express critique and personal attitudes as well as the importance of school culture stimulating the balance between the culture of a role and the culture of support. Special emphasis is laid on the need for flexible approach to subject matter in relation to civil society as well as the need that it should not be limited to one school subject. Education for civil society is supposed gradually to become the principal model for school practice, both in subject matter content and in extracurricular activities as well.

Keywords

• education
• civil society
• school culture
• teacher
• student