Discourse Learning Project Week
Discourse-based learning is a tried-and-tested teaching format in which pupils take a stance on a topic that is the subject of heated debate in public life, politics and business. In 2012 and 2013, the project weeks centred on the controversy surrounding a statutory quota for women in senior management positions in large companies. A total of six schools in Hamburg and over 100 pupils took part.
At the start of 2012, a look at the executive and supervisory boards of DAX-listed companies revealed that only eight per cent of positions were held by women. Whilst some corporations had still not taken any action even two years after making a voluntary commitment to this effect, others were already taking steps at the top. The issue of a statutory quota for women in senior management remained a topical one well into 2014. Across the ranks of those affected, the political parties, and indeed throughout the government and its ministries, the public debate is informed and constructive – yet repeatedly emotionally charged.
We asked the ‘diskurslernen’ project participants: How significant do you consider the unequal distribution of top positions between men and women in large companies to be? What causes do you identify, and which policy instruments do you consider sensible, fair and appropriate?
‘diskurslernen’ – having a say in social ethics – is designed as a four-day project week in which pupils take part in a discourse process on a socially controversial issue and draft a joint statement on the matter. During an information phase, participants acquire specialist knowledge on the socio-political, economic and ethical-legal background to the topic. In the second phase of opinion-forming, a discourse takes place with invited experts from the worlds of politics, culture and business. Finally, the participants jointly formulate a statement, which is presented to the public at a closing event.
As this discourse process is supported by a second, smaller project group – who, as ‘diskurslernen’ journalists, create a media format specific to the project – the discourse group is exposed to an initial public audience right from the start.
The ‘diskurslernen’ project is currently on hold whilst a new school project on the topic of economics and responsibility is being designed and trialled.
'Learning through Discourse' leaflet
