Status of democratization as Ideological message in primary schools: the case of Grazmach Pawlos primary school in Bonga
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2008-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine how democracy has been practiced and what
democratization practices have been underway in Grazmach Pawlos Primary School. The
study followed qualitative case study design that focused on upper primary grades
(grades 5-8) and randomly selected students, teachers, unit leader and principals.
Accordingly, semi-structure interview, non-participant observation and questionnaire
have been employed.
By applying qualitative analysis upon the gathered data, the study found two sets of
contrasting results. The first set that which is substantially in congruence with the country
and scholars' expectations (participation of students in discipline and decision-making
that affect them and their learning, participation of teachers in all decision-making and
strong relationship with the administration, academic freedom for teachers, the existence
of conducive physical environment, empowerment of female students as much as that of
male students in terms of taking leadership and decision-making). The other set that
reflects practices which discourages democratic practices (insufficient school-parent
cooperation, overcrowded classrooms, inadequacy of training on democratic practices,
differential treatment between female and male students, demonstration of experience of
right more than the exercise of duties and responsibilities among students, persistence of
teacher-centered teaching approach, mishandling of misbehaving and mistreating the
students, and lack of interest, in teachers, to own one's own behavior). Finally, some
points have been suggested for future work in relation to gaps between intentions and
practices.
Description
Keywords
Primary schools: