Beyond Learning: Democratic Education for a Human Future by Gert Biesta

A Radical New Vision for Education

In his groundbreaking book, Beyond Learning: Democratic Education for a Human Future, Gert Biesta argues that the current focus on learning in education is misguided. He contends that the purpose of education is not to produce students who are good at taking tests, but to create citizens who are capable of participating in a democratic society.

Biesta draws on the work of philosophers such as Hannah Arendt and John Dewey to develop a theory of democratic education that is based on the idea of Bildung, or self-formation. He argues that education should be a process of helping students to become who they are meant to be, rather than a process of filling them with knowledge and skills.

Why Learning is Not Enough

Biesta argues that the focus on learning in education has led to a number of problems, including:

• A narrowing of the curriculum. Schools are increasingly focused on teaching students the skills that they need to succeed on standardized tests, at the expense of other subjects such as art, music, and social studies.
• A culture of competition. Students are constantly being compared to each other, which can lead to anxiety and stress.
• A lack of creativity. Students are discouraged from thinking outside the box, which can stifle their creativity and imagination.

A Democratic Alternative

Biesta offers a democratic alternative to the current focus on learning. He argues that education should be based on the following principles:

• Education should be for all. Every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their background or abilities.
• Education should be free from coercion. Students should be free to learn at their own pace and in their own way.
• Education should be relevant to students' lives. Students should be able to see the connection between what they are learning in school and their own lives.

Biesta's vision of democratic education is a radical departure from the current system. However, it is a vision that is worth fighting for. It is a vision of an education that can help us to create a more just and democratic world.

Conclusion

Beyond Learning: Democratic Education for a Human Future is a must-read for anyone who is interested in education. Biesta's radical new vision for education is both inspiring and challenging. It is a vision that has the potential to change the way we think about education and the way we educate our children.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about Biesta's work, I encourage you to read his book, Beyond Learning: Democratic Education for a Human Future. You can also find more information about his work on his website, www.gert-biesta.com.