Democratic schooling practices in the Republic of Ireland: the gaps between the rhetoric and reality

Abstract

Drawing upon the writings of Maxine Greene and Paolo Freire, this article explores the necessary conditions for the advancement of education for democracy in the context of modern post-industrial societies, with a focus on schooling in the Republic of Ireland. The article charts a general topography of the Republic of Ireland in relation to the democratic project. For that purpose, particular attention will be paid to the changing influence of ‘theocentric’ and ‘mercantile’ ideologies of education. Educators are keenly aware of the relationality that exists between particular schooling practices and the flourishing of education for democracy. Conversely, they are also very conscious of the fact that certain schooling practices can severely impede the democratic project in society. In order to situate the study in teacher education practices, the article examines the potential of ‘service-learning’ to advance the project of education, especially with respect to its democratic remit.

Keywords:

• schools
• democracy
• service-learning

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the Community Knowledge Initiative, which is part of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at NUI Galway, for their support in the preparation of this article. A debt of gratitude is also due to the two reviewers whose insightful comments helped to prepare the manuscript for publication.

Notes

1. Over the past fifteen years, service-learning has become an integral part of the educational experience in the United States, from first to post-compulsory levels. It is a relatively new entrant into the Irish educational context. The Community Knowledge Initiative at NUI Galway initially pioneered the educational potential of this particular approach. Their website describes it ‘as a pedagogical tool which encourages students to learn and explore issues vital to society, inside and outside the classroom. Students learn from engaging with communities by active participation. Academic staff guide students through this process through structured reflection and the integration of theory and practice’. Available online at: http://www.nuigalwaycki.ie/menu.asp?menu=3. Additional information about service-learning is available from the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse. Available online at http://www.servicelearning.org/welcome_to_service-learning/history/index.php.