The curriculum in Colombia is not designed for democracy; it does not teach free thinking

Abstract

This article critiques the Colombian curriculum model for its focus on official standards and guidelines, which have created a disconnect between schools and social reality. This has limited the development of critical citizens and reduced education to a process that merely reproduces dominant ideologies. In response to this, a democratic and emancipatory education is proposed, based on freedom of thought, ethical reflection, and dialogue, and inspired by authors such as Freire, Zuleta, and Kant. From this perspective, critical pedagogies and non-parametric teaching methods are presented as alternatives for transforming educational processes. These methods promote participation, creativity, and critical thinking. They guide schools toward constructing a democratic society based on peace. In this society, the classroom becomes a space for reconciliation and respect for diversity. It also becomes a space for forming free and empathetic citizens who are committed to social justice.