Análisis de la participación estudiantil en la vida escolar: estudio de caso en dos escuelas ecuatorianas

Abstract

This qualitative research (1) searches to understand the participation of children in school life, with a case study in two Ecuadorian schools. The worked has been, during 2012, with children from 5th basic education (4th primary school in Spain), Student Council directive and teachers.The results indicate that teachers want the children involved; the problem is that there is no clear idea of what it means to participate. This absence, along with the presence of the idea of childhood as not yet able. Children take part in classroom activities patterned by the teacher, and in the specific events of the institution organized by adult. On the other hand, forms of student organization (classroom and Center) follow mostly adult criteria.If we want a genuine child participation, we will have to start by problematizing the issue, a pending task. (1) Doctoral thesis directed by Teresa Susinos and Adelina Calvo of the University of Cantabria �España�. It has been realized thanks to the support of management of the University of Cantabria; and the financial support of the National Secretariat for higher education, Science, Technology and Innovation (SENESCYT) �Ecuador� through the Ecuadorian Institute for Educational Loans and scholarships (IECE), and the University of Cuenca �Ecuador�. The two schools that the research has been done deserve special recognition.