Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Learning Decision-Making and Democratic Participation in School: A Case Study in Catalonia

Clara Gallart; Jordi Castellví

doi:10.14288/ce.v16i4.187077

Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Learning Decision-Making and Democratic Participation in School

A Case Study in Catalonia

Authors

Clara Gallart Autonomous University of Barcelona
Jordi Castellví Autonomous University of Barcelona

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/ce.v16i4.187077

Keywords:

citizenship, decision-making, democratic participation, elementary school, political education

Abstract

This case study investigates the perceptions of teachers and students about learning decision-making 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.

Author Biographies

Clara Gallart , Autonomous University of Barcelona

Clara Gallart is a primary school teacher (Autonomous University of Barcelona) and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Research from the University of Barcelona. Her research interests include civic education, democratic participation in schools, and the development of children’s decision-making skills.

Jordi Castellví , Autonomous University of Barcelona

Jordi Castellví is a professor of social sciences education and Head of the Departmental Unit of Social Sciences Didactics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. His research focuses on civic and citizenship education, democratic participation, teacher education, and critical social studies.

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Published

2025-11-18

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles

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