How can education systems prepare the next generation of engaged citizens? The latest episode of the European Schoolnet podcast addresses this vital question with Valeria Damiani and Gabriella Agrusti, professors of education at LUMSA University in Rome.

How can education systems prepare the next generation of engaged citizens? The latest episode of the European Schoolnet podcast addresses this vital question. In this episode, we spoke with Valeria Damiani and Gabriella Agrusti, professors of education at LUMSA University in Rome and co-authors of the new book: Enhancing students' civic learning through the development of democratic learning environments.

Drawing on international research from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), they introduce insights from their new publication, Experiencing Democracy in the Classroom. The discussion moves beyond traditional civics lessons, framing the classroom as a mini-society where students learn democratic values through daily interaction.

Moving beyond the textbook

A central theme of the episode is that democracy cannot be learned effectively from textbooks alone. While traditional civic education focuses on institutional knowledge like voting systems, the speakers emphasise that modern citizenship is evolving due to globalisation and social change.

Data from the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2022) highlights why a new approach is necessary. The study reveals that whilst young Europeans strongly support democracy and sustainability, significant gaps in civic knowledge persist based on gender and socioeconomic backgrounds.

To bridge these gaps, they argue that democracy must be lived and practised. In an effective democratic learning environment, students routinely discuss rules, express opinions, and share in decision-making.

Implementing a whole-school approach

The speakers also touched on the practical challenges that schools face when trying to implement these ideas. Rigid schedules and top-down management structures often leave limited time for civic activities, leaving teachers without the necessary support.

To overcome these barriers, the professors jointly advocate for a whole-school approach that goes beyond the history or social studies classroom. Every educator contributes to civic learning by modelling values like fairness and mutual respect.

According to the research, the most successful classroom approach balances student-centred learning with clear structure. When teachers provide guidance to ensure a safe environment, students can confidently co-create rules and reflect on their learning. The discussion also notes that digital tools can support this process by helping students explore real-world civic systems, provided teachers guide their use meaningfully.

Creating spaces for active citizens

Ultimately, the podcast episode serves as a call to action for European policymakers, school leaders, and teachers. To foster true responsibility, education systems must support schools in becoming democratic environments where students actively participate and engage with real societal issues.

To discover practical strategies for bringing democratic learning environments into your own school community, listen to this episode of the European Schoolnet podcast on your preferred streaming platform.

Discover the book 'Experiencing democracy in the classroom'. 

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