The European Wergeland Centre, now working in close relation to Council of Europe for 15 years in Oslo, Norway, has newly developed a free learning material on Democratic teaching. The little BIG handbook of DEMOCRACY has introductions to three different parts with learning activities mad for 13–30 year olds. The activities can of course be adapted for use for other age groups. The handbook gives an introduction to the advantages and disadvantages for each of five different moderator roles that can be taken in leading young people in conversations on controversial issues. The five are:

  • OPEN Engagement: You state your point of view in the discussion.
  • NEUTRAL MODERATOR: You assume the role of a neutral moderator for the group.
  • BALANCED: You present a number of different points of view on the topic.
  • ALLY: You take sides with one or more participants.
  • DEVIL’S ADVOCATE: You deliberately take a different position the the participants.

The pros and cons are listed for each of the five moderator styles. These lists are excellent tools for use for teachers and leader in both school and church, and also in all teacher education, especially when religion is involved. Religions awakes existential issues and values, and the moderator role of the teacher is worth a high degree of self-reflection.

The book has three parts that do not need to be used chronologically. First part is on Democracy and Human Rights, secon part ist on Controversial Issues, and the third part is on Hate Speech and Freedom of Expression. In each part it is outlined several learning activities for direct use with the learning groups.

The little BIG handbook of DEMOCRACY is available in English and Norwegian:
https://theewc.org/resources/the-little-big-handbook-of-democracy/

Heid Leganger-Krogstad