Educational benefits of students’ participation in the Schülerparlament

Student participation in the Schülerparlament (students’ parliament) is a key pillar of democratic education in German schools and is considered an effective tool to promote values and active citizenship from an early age.

What is a Schülerparlament?

A school body made up of elected pupils who represent their classes.
It meets regularly to discuss students’ problems, ideas and suggestions for improving school life.
The name varies according to the school level:
- Primary school (Grundschule): often called Kinderparlament (children’s parliament).
- Secondary level (Sekundarstufe): often called Schülervertretung (student council) or Schülerparlament.

Educational benefits of student participation

Area	Educational impact
Political education	Children learn democratic principles: elections, voting, debate
Communication skills	Expressing opinions, listening to others, exchanging perspectives
Teamwork	Taking decisions collectively and assuming responsibility for them
Self-confidence	Children experience that their voice counts and that they can effect change
Problem-solving	Hands-on training in critical thinking and in proposing solutions to real problems
Inclusion and respect	Representation of all groups (including children with special needs or with a migration background)

What does the Schülerparlament discuss?

Organisation of break times and the school cafeteria.
Rules for using the school yard and common areas.
Problems within classes or conflicts involving teachers.
Suggestions for school trips, projects and special activities.
Initiatives and projects against bullying and exclusion.

Role of the school

Teachers supervise and moderate the meetings without imposing their own opinions.
A fixed time slot is allocated for parliament meetings (for example once a month).
All students are encouraged to take part in turn, either as delegates or as guests.
Each meeting is documented in written minutes (Protokoll), recording the decisions and proposals.

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