From Classroom to Civic Space: Fostering Democracy Through Student Councils in Sub-District Small Schools

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine the roles and driving processes of the democratic way of life among student councils within the context of small sub-district schools. It seeks to explain, elevate, and analyze the phenomenon of youth transitioning from passive classroom learners to social drivers through student council mechanisms in local, small-scale educational settings. Specifically, this study focuses on understanding how student council activities can be transformed from mere extracurricular routines dictated by bureaucratic structures into a meaningful and equitable "Civic Space" for participation, despite the geographical, community, and resource constraints inherent to small local schools Furthermore, this study provides an in-depth explanation of the cultivation and internalization of the democratic way of life, which extends beyond conventional textbook definitions of voting, rights, and duties. Instead, it investigates "Everyday Democracy" in students' daily practices through collaborative teamwork, active listening to diverse perspectives, public interest allocation, and power negotiations within the school. Additionally, the article elucidates the dynamic relationship between student councils and sub-district communities, which serve as a vital ecosystem expanding students' learning boundaries to connect with various local social issues, such as culture, environment, and community welfare. Ultimately, it analyzes structural factors, authoritarian culture, budgetary conditions, and staff workloads, which act as both opportunities and significant barriers to fostering youth into active citizens.