Right to Participation of Students in Teaching- Learning Process

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the right to participation of children in the teaching- learning process. The objectives of the study include identifying the nature of participation rights in the teaching-learning process of grade 10 students, understanding the perception of teachers and principals regarding the right to participation in the teaching-learning process in selected schools, examining the strengths and weaknesses of participation rights in the teaching-learning process and providing recommendations to improve participation rights. The Sri Lankan education system, despite 32 years of ratifying the Convention on Rights of the Child, lacks significant implementation of participation rights in teaching and learning process which helps to create productive citizen through independent learning. Participation Right is one of the guiding principles of four guiding principles of United Nations Convention of Rights of Children Which is mainly woven on Article 12 and clusters with article 13,14,15,16,17,27 and 29 of UNCRC. The total sample included 103 students of grade 10, 63 teachers, and 5 principals from the Dehiwala Educational Division in the Western province. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. This gave a total sample of 171 respondents. The random sampling was used to sample out the students and the teachers and Purposive sampling for principals The data collection instruments have been included a questionnaire for teachers and students and an interview schedule for the principals, Document analysis was used to gather data on UNCRC. Findings are as follows: The study reveals a higher awareness of children's participation rights among principals, teachers and students, but also highlights challenges in implementing these rights in the teaching-learning process and Teachers should modify their attitudes and methodologies, and provide more opportunities with full of independency such as child-friendly schools to enhance participation rights in their teaching-learning process.