PROPOSAL OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON PUPIL PARTICIPATION AND DEMOCRACY IN SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

This theoretical article focuses in the development of a conceptual framework to investigate pupil participation processes. With the support of ideas taken from the participatory and deliberative models of democracy, we use as a starting point our consideration of democracy as a way of life, which in school must be accompanied by values of the common good, plurality and the creation of an atmosphere of trust. We consider that pupil participation is composed by three processes (dialogue, decision-making and action) that make pupils become agents of their own education, being part and taking part in the life of the educational centers. We analyze the relation among the three processes, raise the question of who should participate in it and point out some conclusions about the proposal.

KEYWORDS:
pupil participation; democracy in schools; dialogue; decision-making; democratic education