In Germany, hundreds of thousands of people have been taking to the streets to stand up for democracy and diversity. CORRECTIV's research into right-wing deportation plans has shocked and alarmed many people. In Saxony, too, tens of thousands have since demonstrated against the right – including in rural areas. At the same time, polls continue to see the AfD as the strongest force in Saxony in a super election year with local, European and State parliament elections. 

In this complex situation, we are facing the challenge of how schools can act responsibly as places of political education. How can they fulfill their mission of democracy education and gain confidence in dealing with critics and hostility? What can be done if teachers express right-wing extremist positions in the classroom? And is it really sensible or even necessary to invite all parties to public election debates, as the State Agency for Civic Education usually does?  

Professor Anja Besand from TU Dresden has presented a position paper on the 2024 election year that thoroughly explores these and other issues from a scientific perspective. She is Chair of Didactics of Civic Education and Director of the John Dewey Research Center for Civic Education (JoDDiD). 

Position paper (in German)
Chair of Didactics of Civic Education
JoDDiD website

Contact:
Prof. Anja Besand