Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of Learning Decision-Making and Democratic Participation in School: A Case Study in Catalonia
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| Title: | Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of Learning Decision-Making and Democratic Participation in School: A Case Study in Catalonia |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Clara Gallart, Jordi Castellví |
| Source: | Critical Education. 2025 16(4):44-64. |
| Availability: | Institute for Critical Education Studies. 2125 Main Mall, EDCP, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada. Tel: 604-822-2830; Web site: https://ices.library.ubc.ca/index.php/criticaled/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 22 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Early Childhood Education Grade 1 Primary Education Grade 2 |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Public Schools, Elementary School Students, Elementary School Teachers, Student Participation, Participative Decision Making, Grade 1, Grade 2, Citizen Participation, Democracy, Democratic Values, Citizenship Education |
| Geographic Terms: | Spain (Barcelona) |
| ISSN: | 1920-4175 |
| Abstract: | This case study investigates the perceptions of teachers and students about learning decisionmaking and democratic participation in their primary education school. This research, conducted at a public school in Barcelona (Catalonia), aims to characterize the opportunities and limitations the studied school provides in this regard, based on the perceptions of 101 students aged 6 to 8 and six of their teachers. Following a qualitative methodology, which included interviews with teachers and a research dossier for the students, the investigation reveals that students perceive that they engage in decision-making within their immediate environment, but show limited awareness of broader, long-term decisions. As inferred from the interviews, teachers appear to significantly influence these processes, since their opinions and beliefs about citizenship and decision-making seem to shape the guidance they provide to students. The findings point out the complexities of learning decision-making and democratic participation in school to foster an active, critical and participative citizenship. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1489988 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This case study investigates the perceptions of teachers and students about learning decisionmaking and democratic participation in their primary education school. This research, conducted at a public school in Barcelona (Catalonia), aims to characterize the opportunities and limitations the studied school provides in this regard, based on the perceptions of 101 students aged 6 to 8 and six of their teachers. Following a qualitative methodology, which included interviews with teachers and a research dossier for the students, the investigation reveals that students perceive that they engage in decision-making within their immediate environment, but show limited awareness of broader, long-term decisions. As inferred from the interviews, teachers appear to significantly influence these processes, since their opinions and beliefs about citizenship and decision-making seem to shape the guidance they provide to students. The findings point out the complexities of learning decision-making and democratic participation in school to foster an active, critical and participative citizenship. |
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| ISSN: | 1920-4175 |
