Teachers’ beliefs about listening to students’ voices in Sweden : – implementing Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in compulsory schools

This thesis investigates the implementation of Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and associated challenges from the perspectives of Swedish teachers on listening to students’ voices. Using a qualitative case study in a Swedish compulsory school, semi-structured interview for teachers of 7-9 grades in compulsory school was conducted, and data was analyzed with thematic analysis. The study explores teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding participation, emphasizing children’s entitlement to express opinions and influence decision-making processes. The research reveals a range of perspectives among teachers, highlighting the complexities of teacher-student relationships and how teachers perceive student voices. Teachers emphasize the importance of both listening to and guiding students, demonstrating a practical balance in classroom contexts and recognizing the benefits of fostering student engagement for improved learning outcomes. The study provides examples of the successful application of participatory concepts, challenging adult skepticism about student participation. These findings address gaps in research by focusing on teachers’ perspectives on student participation in compulsory school settings, an area previously understudied. The insights gained inform strategies to enhance student participation, promoting the practical implementation of Article 12 of UNCRC. Moreover, the study challenges hierarchical participation models, emphasizing the importance of contextual factors in effective student involvement strategies. This research offers valuable insights for educators aiming to empower students in diverse classroom environments while considering specific educational contexts and needs.