Participatory research with children as a form of democratic education. Ethical reflections and formative impacts from the European project ISOTIS in 8 countries

Abstract

This paper presents several results of the “Feel good: Children’s view on inclusion” study, i.e. an international European participatory research work with groups of children and preadolescents in eight countries as part of the ISOTIS project. Set within the theoretical-methodological framework of children’s rights, participatory research, student voice and democratic education, the research work involved 331 minors (145 aged 4-5; 139 aged 9-11 years; 45 aged 11-14) and 32 professionals (25 teachers, 7 educators) in areas with a high cultural diversity and social inequality. It analysed the factors that promote or hinder well-being and inclusion at school, and it contributed to the definition and implementation of proposals for improving schools. This paper pinpoints and discusses a number of outcomes and lessons relating to ethical-methodological issues and formative impacts of the research process on the participants.