Schools Must Teach Students How to Choose, Not What to Choose

As election season intensifies, the question arises of how Israeli schools are preparing students to make informed choices, not just about politics, but in life. The author argues that the educational system faces a critical challenge: to equip students with the ability to form their own opinions, listen to others, and make independent decisions, rather than simply imparting knowledge about democracy or telling them what to think.

The core of the educational task, according to the piece, is to foster the capacity for independent thought. Drawing on Rashi's commentary on "you shall choose life," the article emphasizes that teaching involves guiding individuals toward a choice without making it for them. Educators should present possibilities, impart knowledge, and introduce values, but the ultimate act of choosing must belong to the student.

This process of choosing is deeply intertwined with personal identity. Students bring their backgrounds, families, traditions, and fears to their decisions. The educational system's role is not to silence these external influences but to help children identify them and, within them, to discover their own voice. Understanding what is important, what motivates them, and how to navigate conflicting values are crucial steps in this journey.

The pervasive influence of social media algorithms, which often amplify anger and confirmation bias, further complicates the landscape. During election periods, this effect is magnified, leading to shorter slogans, hardened divisions, and the dismissal of complexity. Children witness these dynamics through various channels, including social media and family conversations, long before they are eligible to vote.

Therefore, the article posits that classrooms are already arenas where political discourse enters, whether intentionally or not. The opportunity exists to transform these spaces from battlegrounds for predetermined answers into environments where students learn the process of forming an opinion. This involves understanding one's own sources, distinguishing between knowledge and assumption, and developing the capacity to listen to opposing viewpoints, even uncomfortable ones.

Ultimately, true democratic engagement requires individuals who can hold firm beliefs without becoming rigid, debate without dehumanizing opponents, be persuaded without shame, and coexist with differing perspectives. These are skills that must be practiced, not just explained, raising the question of how many genuine opportunities for choice students actually encounter within the school day.