Democratic Learning and Facilitation
John Dewey asserted that faith in the democratic creed is "only on paper unless it is put in force in the attitudes which human beings display to one another in all the incidents and relations of daily life." Put simply, as has been done for generations-- democracy is a way of life. We must constantly ask ourselves what democracy looks like (and sounds like, and feels like) in each facet of our lives. What does democracy look like in our organizations? What does democracy sound like in our families? What does democracy feel like in our learning spaces?
As part of our work at Crossroads Civic Engagement Center at The University of Alabama, we explore the application of democratic principles within the learning space. We do not limit our inquiry only to traditional classroom settings because we know, as W.E.B. DuBoise wrote, that "education is that whole system of human training within and without school house walls, which molds and develops men." Through the We The People Facilitation Series, a group of staff, students, and faculty share insights and inspiration as a means of supporting professional growth as democratic learning leaders.
It is my honor to lead the We The People Facilitation Series (formerly the Engaged Learning Series) each semester and to benefit from the sharing and learning that takes place among colleagues. While the We The People series is delivered over the course of an academic semester, we also deliver more concentrated trainings known as "Facilitation Stations." Additionally, our office provides individual consultations on engaged learning strategies and facilitation.
The creation of these programs was informed by my own field experiences facilitating workshops and learning experiences with high school and college students as a National FFA Officer and as a university course instructor. Theoretical grounding for these programs include the works of Paulo Freire, Hal Saunders, John Dewey, and bell hooks who wrote: "Progressive education, education as the practice of freedom, enables us to confront feelings of loss and restore our sense of connection. It teaches us how to create community."
Colleagues interested joining the next cohort of the We The People Facilitation Series should reach out to me via email at asajharris@ua.edu
It is my honor to lead the We The People Facilitation Series (formerly the Engaged Learning Series) each semester and to benefit from the sharing and learning that takes place among colleagues. While the We The People series is delivered over the course of an academic semester, we also deliver more concentrated trainings known as "Facilitation Stations." Additionally, our office provides individual consultations on engaged learning strategies and facilitation.
The creation of these programs was informed by my own field experiences facilitating workshops and learning experiences with high school and college students as a National FFA Officer and as a university course instructor. Theoretical grounding for these programs include the works of Paulo Freire, Hal Saunders, John Dewey, and bell hooks who wrote: "Progressive education, education as the practice of freedom, enables us to confront feelings of loss and restore our sense of connection. It teaches us how to create community."
Colleagues interested joining the next cohort of the We The People Facilitation Series should reach out to me via email at asajharris@ua.edu