This resource focuses on fostering critical approaches to source materials, charts and numbers. It aims to teach learners to critically evaluate information and to reflect on their own positions and attitudes within a democratic society, particularly in regard to the role of politics, media and culture in our world.
The resource is intended for groups of more than eight participants and allows teachers and trainers to reflect on their use of media and how numbers presented in media need to be approached critically with caution, albeit their reputation as “facts”. The resource thus fosters critical thinking, critical interpretation of data and its graphical interpretation. Ultimately, the resource aims for an understanding of how the critical use of sources is vital in empowering citizens in an open and democratic society.
The resource uses debates, self-reflection tasks, station work and debates among participants and can be used in training sessions, professional development settings and when training future teachers.
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To cite this resource: Kltzl, H. (2017, November). Strengthening Education for Democracy (STED) Reading democracy in numbers [PDF]. Strasbourg: The Pestalozzi Programme, Council of Europe, Training Programme for Education Professionals.
