engleski

Child participation in Croatian schools – forms, levels and motivational factors

School is one of the key environments for the growth and development of each child because children spend a significant portion of their time at school, where they create their social network and develop as individuals through learning, playing and socialising. Therefore, school is also an important place where children learn, promote and fulfil their rights. More specifically, the fulfilment of the children’s participatory rights is a core precondition of civic education and the contemporary approach to children, which is also noted in numerous documents issued by the Republic of Croatia and the European Union. There are numerous questions regarding the methodology and the practice of child participation, indicating that it is a complex and multidimensional concept. In fact, the participation of students at schools is seen as a meta concept or a frame that encompasses a sense of belonging, participation at a behavioural level, efficacy and dedication to school. This paper presents the results of the research conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman for Children of the Republic of Croatia, entitled Child Participation in the Education System. The aim of the research project was to gain a better understanding of child participation at school, with regard to the forms of participation, levels of participation, involvement of children and adults from the perspectives of students, teachers and other education professionals. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative approach. In the qualitative part of the research a total of 70 children and 41 adults from primary and secondary schools were included and quantitative part of the research covered 2720 students and 461 adults. The results show that the participation of students at schools is rich and diverse when it comes to extracurricular activities, as well as the participation in various school projects and activities. Most of this participation is adult-initiated and led. However, when it comes to the participation in decision-making and activities initiated by students, child participation is rare and limited. The students want to participate at schools and they believe that they are competent to do so, but it is clear that the adults still determine the level and the content of participation, as well as decide on who will participate. The results also indicate that the participation of those students who have excellent grades, who are polite and behave well is promoted in Croatian schools. Regarding the motivational factors that can increase the participation of students, the children recognize the support of caring and interested teachers, as well as other education professionals. Apart from collecting the comprehensive data on the participation of students in Croatian schools, the added value of this research is raising awareness and educating about the importance of child participation at schools. Further discussions, collaboration and participation of all stakeholders in this process are necessary to achieve meaningful child participation at schools.

schools, pupils, participation

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