Well, well, well! What have we here? An assembly of the youth, ready to tackle the education policy shipwreck that leaves us all bobbing around in confusion! Sort of like a classroom going on a field trip to Disneyland — except the kids are probably more prepared to discuss their future than the adults!
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! I think it’s safe to say we’ve landed in Bonn, where the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt has thrown together quite a show. Around 100 students gathering to discuss the hot topic of education policy—feels like a teenage version of The Avengers, doesn’t it? “Avengers Assemble!”—but instead of saving the world, they’re trying to save the school system. No pressure, kids.
This past week, we’ve witnessed a theatrical debate—imagine the Wallace and Gromit enthusiasm mixed with a sprinkle of TED Talks charisma—about starting school later. Someone’s shouting out about scientific proof that 9 a.m. starts boost productivity, while the rest are trying to figure out how to convince their parents that “it’s for my future!” is a valid excuse for why they can’t wake up before noon. Seriously, if you ever need a plan to stay in bed longer, just have a scientific discussion about your brain’s optimal performance time. Who knew students could multitask like that?
And they’re not just passionately debating later starts! They’re brainstorming ways to improve schools that sound like a Pinterest board exploded in the teacher’s lounge. The kids want colorful walls, more electives, and—here’s a bold one—maybe a little background music during lessons? Can we get a DJ in the classroom? I can hear it now: “Today’s math lesson, brought to you by DJ Calculus, drop the bass and derivative!”
But it’s not just about the cool-to-have; they’re tackling significant issues too. The pupils are demanding that the topic of personal finance be studied more. I mean, can you imagine if they had been taught about credit scores instead of why Shakespeare penned so many sonnets? One can only wonder: Maybe we wouldn’t have an entire generation thinking that opening a credit card at 18 is a grand idea! “What do you mean ‘interest rates’? That sounds suspicious…”
“People are actually listening!” The battle cry of a generation…
Who would’ve thought our kids would break down the barrier in what has often been a one-sided conversation? They feel heard, seen, and for once, taken seriously! It’s like they’ve stumbled into the adult world and are waving their hands to get attention like they’ve found the last donut in the staff room. “Hey, adults! Want to actually listen to the kids for once?”
And the idea of **freedom in learning** has become the overarching theme of this grand adventure! Less grading, equal opportunities, and recognizing the important role teachers play—as if educators are our superheroes but without the capes, because let’s face it, nothing says “I’m here to impart knowledge” like a sensible pair of trousers.
Now, my friends, the good folks at the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt are undoubtedly preparing for a power summit of sorts in Leipzig. As we watch this age of enlightenment unfold before our eyes, one can only sit back and appreciate the show. So here’s to our young citizens—the real rock stars of this assembly! They’re eschewing TikTok for actual political discussion, trying to redesign our school system like it’s an episode of *Changing Rooms*. They might just have a better shot at fixing education than half the adults sitting in the room!
So grab your popcorn, folks, because this education drama is only just beginning, and it’s a series that promises to be far more riveting than boring staff meetings. Who knows? We might even get a new national curriculum out of it! And if not—hey, at least we’ll see some colorful walls!
Catch the full podcast coverage on your favorite platforms! Because if students can discuss change, let’s hope politicians tune in too!
BONN. In the Education and Learning Citizens’ Council organized by the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt, a diverse group of randomly chosen citizens engage in impactful debates surrounding education policy. Their primary objective is to formulate actionable recommendations aimed at policymakers. The culmination of their efforts will take place next weekend in Leipzig, where they will finalize their specific proposals. News4teachers had the opportunity to accompany the lively preparatory meeting in Cologne, closely observing the spirited discussions. Editor Laura Millmann focused primarily on listening to the voices of children and young people, all of which will be detailed in an upcoming podcast report.
Around 100 students gather at tables, actively discussing the significant topic of starting school later in the day. The exchange of opinions creates a lively atmosphere as arguments are shared back and forth. If the school day were to begin later in the morning, students would inevitably return home later in the afternoon. However, many participants feel that the benefits of a delayed start outweigh the drawbacks. “It has been proven that you would concentrate better if school started at 9 a.m.,” one boy confidently states, prompting applause from his peers.
The central question guiding the discussion before the citizens’ assembly meeting is: How do we want to learn? Students organize themselves into small groups, brainstorming their ideas on large pieces of paper and rolls of wallpaper. These young participants represent a diverse range of schools in Cologne. They will reconvene in mid-September for an Education Action Day at the North Education Campus, an initiative organized by the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt Foundation, which will serve as a prelude to the two-day citizens’ council meeting that follows.
Consensus within the group resonates clearly: schools must evolve. However, the challenge lies in determining how to enact this change. Following these discussions, the students’ collective demands will be delivered to citizens’ council members in preparation for their meeting, which is intended to generate actionable recommendations for political figures.
During the discussion process, each child takes time to reflect individually before engaging in group dialogue. Key questions guide their thoughts, such as: If you could choose, what would you like to learn? What aspects of your school would you like to see altered? How do you envision your learning experience? Ultimately, each group aims to develop three united suggestions. Diverse topic ideas emerge, including the desire for a more aesthetically pleasing schoolyard, the inclusion of more elective subjects, incorporation of current topics in politics lessons, and even the possibility of background music during classes.
The numerous suggestions presented throughout the day highlight that students view school not just as a place of education, but as an integral part of life. There is a strong desire for comfort and creativity within the school environment. Students particularly express the need for more comprehensive financial education within the curriculum. Leonie, a student participating in the discussions, shares her enthusiasm: “I thought it was really cool because now we can genuinely contribute, express our opinions, and propose our ideas. It was also fascinating to connect with peers from other schools, allowing us to gain various perspectives.”
“Since we first joined, people have really listened to us. Even from the adults, they take us really seriously.”
The following day, discussions will continue at the North Education Campus, where approximately 100 individuals of varying ages from across Germany will gather. The objective of this two-day assembly is to foster a dialogue among participants regarding pressing educational issues while ensuring every voice is heard. Launched in 2020 by the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt, the Education and Learning Citizens’ Assembly aims not only to identify challenges within the education sector but also to propose viable solutions. Notably, a comprehensive catalog of recommendations was submitted to the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in 2023. Uniquely, young individuals under the age of 16 are permitted to participate in the Citizens’ Council for Education and Learning, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that those who experience school life daily are included in these critical discussions.
As preparations continue for the upcoming round of meetings, which will focus on generating more extensive recommendations for policymakers, many citizens’ council members will be revisiting ideas proposed by the students in Cologne. Members are organized into three distinct areas: early childhood education, school education, and vocational training. Central to all workshops is an overarching question: How much freedom does learning truly require?
Exploration of varying facets of freedom occurs within small groups, covering topics such as grading practices, equal opportunities, inter-school disparities, and the role of teachers in fostering a conducive educational environment. By the end of the day, numerous ideas are recorded on sheets of paper and pinned to boards, serving as a foundation for the following day’s discourse. These ideas will ultimately be refined into concrete recommendations for action directed toward political stakeholders at the forthcoming citizens’ assembly meeting in Leipzig, scheduled for the end of November.
15-year-old Jane, a dedicated member of the Education and Learning Citizens’ Council since its inception, reflects positively on her experience: “Since we first joined, people have really listened to us. Even the adults, they take us really seriously. It’s crucial for groups like this to acknowledge our opinions, and I firmly believe we can create meaningful change.” News4teachers
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How are students in Leipzig advocating for practical life skills like financial literacy in their educational proposals?
Mbly in Leipzig.
As we watch this exciting collaboration unfold, it’s clear that the students are not just dreaming up whimsical ideas; they are anchoring their aspirations in genuine issues—issues that affect their daily lives in schools across Germany. This isn’t merely a session for idle chatter; this is a mobilization of thoughts, a youth-led rebellion against a complacent education system that often overlooks their needs.
The atmosphere is electric as young learners maneuver through the complexities of educational policy—a stark contrast to the often dull, bureaucratic jargon that adults might bring into such discussions. These fresh voices echo the sentiment that education should not be an afterthought but a priority, punctuated by a playful yet critical examination of what school should look like going forward.
At the heart of their initiatives lies a call for engagement and recognition. The students want to transform classrooms into living spaces—where learning doesn’t just occur but flourishes. They are advocating for environments where creativity is nurtured, attention spans respected, and practical life skills—like financial literacy—are championed.
This grassroots movement is not just about fixing curriculums; it represents a paradigm shift towards a more inclusive and nurturing approach to education. As they prepare to present their findings, these young advocates will take their proposals—their dreams—to policymakers, reminding us all just how essential it is to listen to the very individuals our educational systems are meant to serve.
As the clock ticks toward the weekend’s assembly in Leipzig, anticipation builds. Will the grand proposals bubble to the surface? Will these youthful voices reshape education policy as we know it? Or will their ideas be relegated to the same shelf as so many other great ideas, gathering dust?
One thing is certain: the future of education, at least for these students, is brightly lit with potential. They are standing up not just to be heard but to actively shape the educational landscape. And if the adults are wise, they will lean in, take notes, and perhaps join in the dance toward innovative change.
In a world that increasingly prioritizes the voices of the youth, let us hope this captivating drama continues to unfold, ushering in a new era of educational discourse. After all, if these young minds can catalyze transformation, who knows what else they can achieve?