What is meant by democratic education?

In democratic education young people have the right

to decide how, what, when, where and with whom they learn, taking into account the limitations of what the school is actually able to offer, and
to have an equal say in decision-making concerning how their schools are run, and what rules and sanctions, if any, are necessary.

Regular democratic meetings with one-person one-vote are a fundamental of Democratic Education. Democratic Education does not exist without them.

Why democratic education?

The question is rather, Why not?

We live in a democratic society, which in order to function well requires citizens who are creative, innovative and active in their communities and regions. Children do not learn these qualities through lessons and theory. However those who experience self-responsibility and democracy on a daily basis in their schools learn to speak their minds, fight for issues that are important to them, solve problems as a group, respect the opinions of others and contribute to the successful management of their communities. Those who are responsible for their own learning develop effective strategies for finding creative and innovative solutions to problems, and have the tools required of a true lifelong learner.

In terms of effective learning, scientists have known for years now that true learning (as opposed to memorisation of facts that are quickly forgotten) can only occur in settings that are free of fear and stress and when the information being learned is relevant and interesting to the individual. These conditions can best be met when students are empowered to direct their own learning with the support of adults able to provide positive and appropriate feedback and input.

But this reasoning, though valid, actually misses the most important point. Children and young people are not products to develop for economic or social purposes but complete individuals with the right to be "brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity" (Convention on the Rights of the Child, Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989). That includes the freedom to decide what, how, when and with whom they want to learn.