engleski

The meaning and influence of Student Councils in schools – can we overcome formality?

Student councils in schools are the most prominent form of formal participation for children. However, they are often criticized for this formality and lack of effectiveness in fulfilling children’s rights. Many authors agree that ineffective student councils may have a negative effect on students in the sense that they question the very purpose of participation and create an impression that such participation is in fact a waste of time. Consequently, students may become frustrated and alienated from the idea of participation and may be under the impression the adults’ desire to hear their voices is merely declaratory. In order for student councils to be effective, they should be more inclusive, focus on relevant issues and be based on perspective of students as experts for their own experiences and school life. This paper presents the results of the study conducted by the Office of the Children’s Ombudsperson of the Republic of Croatia, entitled Child Participation in the Educational System. 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. In this presentation, we will focus on general knowledge, beliefs and practice with regard to student councils by both students and adults (teachers and other educational professionals working in schools). Results indicate that both students and adults are well informed about the existence of student councils in their schools, but lack specific information concerning activities of these councils. They are also poorly informed about the role and purpose of student councils. The basic common perspective of both children and adults is that student councils are merely formal bodies, without any real impact on school life. Children also believe that adults are a key factor for improving the perception and influence of student councils in schools.

students councils, participation, schools

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