Linking Content to Policy
Political learning requires some degree of maturity as students take on the roles and responsibilities of adult life. In adult roles we encounter, and must navigate, social services, public organizations, and the personal consequences of the distribution of power (Brookfield, 1987).
Political learning occurs when people become aware of the pervasiveness of issues of power and control in all spheres of human interaction and then work to alter the patterns and structures of human interaction. Following are examples of questions for students to ask themselves (following exposure to a content area):
- What public policies (at local, state, national, international levels) are currently in place that relate to this topic? Do I agree with these policies? What aspects of current policy would I like to see changed?
- What policy changes are currently on the horizon? Who and where are the relevant policy makers? Where might I be able to observe their deliberations? How might citizens approach policy makers? How would citizens prepare to do so?
- What organizations represent stakeholders and might already be involved
in influencing the policy-making process in this area? Will I work independently or in affiliation with these organizations? How can I find them? What are they currently doing to influence policy?
- What are the possibilities for new public policies which might be generated to better address the issues/problems involved? What role might I play to generate, promote, and/or advocate for such new policies? How do I prepare for such a role?
