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“There is still work to be done”, says the new head of the AHS state student representation (LSV), Xaver Eicher (17), about the education system in Austria. In the OÖN interview he talks about his goals and challenges.
OÖN: Why did you run for state school spokesman?
Xavier Eicher: Commitment has always been important in my family. Accordingly, I was very interested in it.
The LSV elections were not long ago. How is your adjustment period?
We want to step on the gas right from the start and are already organizing two panel discussions on the topics of ChatGPT and the European elections, a trip to Brussels for interested students and other events to prepare the new school representatives.
The LSV is always elected for one year. What are the goals for the coming school year?
Our main goal is a reform of the education system with a focus on individuality. Democracy education as a separate subject is also important to us in order to familiarize students with different parties. Mental health also accompanies us as a topic. More school psychologists are needed for this. Another point is digitization. This includes sockets and WLAN, but ChatGPT also brings new tasks.
How does the student council feel about ChatGPT?
Artificial intelligence must be introduced in the classroom, otherwise we will lack it later in life. However, the Federal Government and the Curriculum Commission are responsible for implementation.
Cell phones are a distraction in class. What do you think of a ban?
A general cell phone ban is useless. Self-discipline will also be necessary later in everyday working life, and if this personal responsibility is taken away, the students will be deprived of the opportunity to learn it.
You mentioned school psychologists earlier. What grants are possible?
Study results on mental health in schools have not improved and more staff and lower-threshold offers are needed. When it comes to financial support, the school start aid is a sensible step, but it must be expanded in the long term. The multilingual nature of information must also be taken into account.
Does this also apply to tutoring?
In any case. But the fundamental question is why we need so much tutoring, and that brings us back to the education system. Cheap learning support is needed and we must aim to reduce the need for it.
Are there still after-effects of the corona pandemic?
There are deficits that are being worked on and students who still need additional care, but we can tick Corona off at the educational level.
How do you implement your goals? Where are your limits?
Our field of application is the school level, where we can design directly. When it comes to long-term issues, it is our job to address them and pass them on to politicians.
Do you have the feeling that politicians are listening to your suggestions?
I haven’t had any experience with the federal government because the school year is just beginning, but in Upper Austria we are actually listened to.
Source: Nachrichten
