Learn – You must assume Responsibility!
In order to adequately train the stewards of the next fifty years, the citizens of the future socialist Germany, higher demands must be placed on our socialist system of education. The level of instruction must be raised; it must correspond to the scientific level of the times. Namely, instruction in mathematics, the natural sciences, and foreign languages must provide students with a higher level of education than at present. But one can only learn better and more thoroughly if an exemplary [system of] order is installed in our schools.
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Have the Courage to Tax Your Own Thinking
The comprehensive build-up of socialism in the GDR requires highly qualified specialists who can guide autonomously and scientifically, work creatively, lead the collective of people proficiently, and who are honest, modest, and enthusiastic. We do not need “bookworms” stuffed with theories and principles, but educated and driven people who do not shy away from reaching into the center of life, rooting out its problems, and solving them, regardless of whom they are dealing with. Our colleges and vocational schools have already trained many highly qualified and independent-thinking specialists in last few years. But that is not enough.
We oppose the manifestations of schematism in the institutions, colleges, and universities that impede real scientific achievements. We call upon all teaching staff to train the young people in their care to be independent-thinking socialists and not to allow good grades to be dependent upon the commitment to a subjective doctrine.
Higher demands in all areas, courses that encourage students to undertake independent work and research, a connection to socialist practice are the prerequisites for igniting in these young hearts and brains the promethean urge for new knowledge and the creative transformation of the world for the good of humankind. Fostering a scientific conscience means educating socialist people with a backbone, people who stand by their beliefs and fight for their plans, who do not shy away from conflict and do not avoid work. It is therefore time to end all manifestations of formalism in classes, examinations, and training programs. Curricula are not dogma, but rather instructions for autonomous learning and education.
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