An “alleazione” to grow: learning described by children. A participatory research in a Senza Zaino primary school

Abstract

This contribution illustrates the results of a research that voiced children’s opinions regarding the meaning and shape of “learning” at school. The qualitative research was based on the student voice’s studies and had a participatory research framework. Children of a “Senza Zaino” (lit.: ‘no backpack’) primary school expressed their point of view through brainstorming, ludic techniques such as drawing and photovoice, focus groups and peer-to-peer discussions. Inviting children to express their ideas on such a broad topic led to arise of multiple themes and learning aspects including: the role of peers and of the teacher; the idea of error and the non-judgmental welcoming environment and climate that link emotion and well-being with learning. A metacognitive attitude and an intrinsic motivation emerged from children’s words. This research represents a pilot for a wider study within the Senza Zaino school network.