Унапређивање наставе у основној школи: перспективе ученика

Abstract

In pedagogical literature, the significance of the development of pupilsʼ „voice“ on the issues related to improving the quality of teaching practice has been recognized. It is necessary for the pupils to have the opportunity to express their observations, experiences and emotions about their own education, which is consistent with the interpretation of the pupil’s role in modern school. Accordingly, the aim of this paper was to inquire the pupilsʼ opinion on the changes that are required in teaching. For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was constructed and the pupilsʼ proposals on the methods of improving teaching were collected via the open-ended questions. The sample included 360 pupils of the eighth grade from six city schools. The obtained data were analyzed by the application of the method of thematic analysis. The pupils pointed out that the following changes are required in teaching: (a) modernization of teaching process; (b) fostering partnership between the pupils and the teachers; (c) appreciation and encouragement of motivation and the pupilsʼ autonomy. A special significance of these findings is reflected in the fact that the pupils are mature and competent enough to be able to observe and assess the aspect of teaching process that needs certain changes. The proposals stated by the pupils may be used by the decision-makers as a map of changes that the pupils observed as necessary to be undertaken in order to improve the quality of teaching.