Is democracy yours?
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Lesson duration is: 30 minIntroduction
In this activity, a four-minute animation explains the concepts of democracy and dictatorship, what these political systems entail and how they function. Students learn that equal rights, freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted. The animation explains how fragile democracy really is. Students are also encouraged to take a critical approach to democracy. Do students feel engaged or involved in democracy? What, in their opinion, are the imperfections of democracy?
Instructions
Tip: Watch the video yourself first and decide if you will need to pause it during the lesson for explanations.
Items in this lesson
Slide 1 - Slide
This slide is the introduction of this LessonUp. The image is taken from the animation ‘Democracy is yours’, which forms part of this lesson.
What do you already know about democracy?
?
Slide 2 - Mind map
Have students complete the word web alone, in pairs, or in groups.
Briefly discuss the answers in class. Ask students to briefly explain their answers.
Slide 3 - Slide
Have students consider this assignment in groups.
Then discuss the answers in class. Ask whether students found it more difficult to give reasons in favour or against. Also, what do the answers tell us about what young people think about democracy?
Slide 4 - Video
Start the interactive video about democracy. It will stop at intervals for interactive questions.
Don’t forget to turn the sound on.
- Two advantages of a democratic system
- Two disadvantages of a democratic system
In pairs, discuss the following and write down:
Slide 5 - Open question
The first part of the animation identifies some of the benefits of democracy. But it also states that democracy is not perfect.
Have students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a democracy in pairs. Have them write down the answers.
NOTE: answers will be discussed after the animation.
Slide 6 - Slide
Connect each description to democracy, dictatorship, or both political systems.
Students can make the connections individually or in groups.
Slide 7 - Slide
After the animation, discuss the answers from the earlier assignment in class.
Ask what the students found more difficult to describe: the advantages or the disadvantages.
Also, what do the answers tell us about what young people think of democracy?
Slide 8 - Slide
Spin the wheel and discuss.
The spinner selects the statement. Encourage as many students as possible to participate, for instance by having students stand/sit to indicate whether they agree/disagree. Alternatively, have them take a position on an imaginary line in the classroom (agree/disagree and everything in between).
Do you think democracy is worth protecting?
Explain why or why not
Slide 9 - Open question
This question allows students to discuss whether they would stand up for democracy.
Have students think about this in groups. Discuss the answers in class. Also discuss what students expect from a well-functioning democracy.
Slide 10 - Slide
Watch this 2:36 minute video clip with the class.
Amjad grew up in Syria, a country with a dictatorial regime. He shares his perspective on democratic values and talks about how he tries to encourage others to vote and use their voices.
Discuss the responses.
