Atuarfik eqaatsumik aaqqissugaq
generally share most or all of the following characteristics, although there is no exact definition or requirement for a democratic school:
* shared decision-making among the students and staff
* a learner-centered approach in which students choose their daily activities
* equality among staff and students
* the community as an extension of the classroom
* It is a school that focuses on students' conditions and needs.
On this basis the aims and objectives, the learning content and organization and the classroom environment are laid down in collaboration with the students.
* It is a school where adults take responsibility to challenge students' learning.
This is based on an equal conversation, always showing respect for students' background, experience and integrity.
* Challenging learning environment that gives life opportunities for all students.
* Interaction between professionalism, interdisciplinary and project training.
* Team cooperation about content selection and subject related organization.
* IT integration in education.
* Students are to set targets for their own learning.
* The small school in the big one.
* Planning team decides about resources and economy.
* Flexible work periods and planning based on yearly standard hours for a teacher and not hours per week.
* Flexible work units (large group, team, group, couples, individually).
* Structured and agreed information habbits and meeting habbits.
* Rooms furnished and equipped according to the education idea and organization.
* Corridors converted to work areas.
* School Library will be teaching center and driving on the flexible school.
* Special subject rooms serves as laboratory workshops.
* The community as an extension of the classroom.
Important websites:
www.educationrevolution.org/demschool.html
http://en.democratic-schools.com/