Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Advanced Research in Teaching and Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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High School Portuguese Students’ Contributions for A Plural and Participatory School
Prof. Dr. Susana Caires, Ana Diniz, Eric Rocha
ABSTRACT:
The Plural and Participatory School is seen as an environment that values cultural diversity and encourages freedom of expression, creating an atmosphere where all its members, namely the students, feel comfortable to share their ideas and take an active role in the building of a democratic and inclusive school. This communication presents the results of a study that compiled proposals within the scope of the Youth Parliament Program, an initiative of the Portuguese Government that, in the last 29 years, has been trying to promote young people’s interest in debating issues of current affairs. In 2023/24, portuguese High School students were challenged to suggest measures to be considered by the Portuguese Parliament in order to promote paths to a plural and participatory school, which respects and values diversity and multiple voices. Their suggestions involved the development of programs aimed at the integration of foreign students, the continued training of teachers for inclusive learning environments, the introduction of subjects on political and financial literacy in the curricula, or the promotion of parents and the community participation in school decisions and educational activities, creating a network of support and exchange. To ensure that students have representation in schools’ educational and general councils, to create adapted environments for students with special education needs, incentives that value the teaching profession and ensure better working conditions, or, the organization of extracurricular activities and (multi)cultural events aimed at the promotion of school-community “bridges” are also examples of the students’ answer to that call.
keywords: Youth Parliement Program, High School Students, Plural and Participatory School, Citizenship