Michael J. Feuer is dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University and author of Can schools save democracy? Civic education and the common good. He joins host Mike Palmer in an in-depth discussion about the role of education in addressing some of society’s biggest challenges, including threats to democracy, polarization and more.
Feuer explains his view that schools must be part of the solution by equipping students with the analytical skills needed to think critically about issues such as the tension between individual rights and the common good. He advocates for more interdisciplinary approaches in teacher preparation programs to connect future educators with experts in fields such as economics, political science, and moral philosophy. The goal is to help teachers better understand concepts like the “tragedy of the commons” so they can spark productive classroom discussions and engage students on relevant topics.
Although schools alone cannot save democracy, Feuer argues that they have an important role to play through civic education focused less on transmitting points of view and more on developing participation and a thoughtful debate. Don’t miss this topical book conversation that makes great Thanksgiving dinner conversation (and any family holiday).
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Episode references
Feuer, M. J. (2023). Can schools save democracy? Johns Hopkins University Press. https://doi.org/10.56021/9781421447773
