engleski

ELEMENTS THAT CAN ENCOURAGE CHILD PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL

School is one of the key psycho-social environments for the promotion of the well-being of children and one of the key areas for implementation of children’s rights, especially their right to participation. Child participation in school can empower children for later active civic engagement, improve their social skills, influence academic success and strengthen relationships between children and teachers. The realization of the children’s participatory rights in schools can have a positive influence on children as individuals and on schools as a community. This paper presents part of the results of the research entitled Child Participation in Education System, conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman for Children of the Republic of Croatia. The aim of the research was to gain a better understanding of child participation in school, about the forms and levels of participation and elements that can encourage children to participate. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative part, used in the first exploratory phase of the project, a total of 70 87students were included. Through quantitative approach, a total of 2720 students from elementary and secondary schools from all regions in Croatia were included. The results show that elements like good relationships between children and teachers and support from teachers and other students are the most important for broader participation of students. Active participation can be encouraged by making participation fun, more child-friendly and by relaxing the forms of learning outcomes and student’s obligations. Furthermore, the design and organization of the physical environment in school also can contribute to higher participation. Research findings suggest the importance of putting a stronger focus on empowering positive relationships between students and teachers and creating more flexible and comfortable school environment.

Child participation, School, Children’s rights

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