European active citizenship promotion through inter/transcultural aware-ness, life skills cultivation and inclusive education: Pupils' perceptions in four European countries

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines four crucial quality determinants of modern education, European Active Citizenship, Inter/Transcultural Awareness, Life Skills and Inclusive Education, and the perceptions pupils from 9 to 12 years hold for them.

Methods: Employing a quantitative design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 195 pupils from four European countries (Greece, Finland, Italy, Romania). The study investigates possible differences in the perception of the four concepts, based on pupils’ nationality, age and grade.

Results: Findings indicate that Italian and Romanian pupils perceive differently inter/transcultural competences and Inclusive Education, when compared to Greek pupils. Moreover, pupils from 9 to 10 years old show higher statistical values on Inclusive Education related to pupils from 11 to 12 years, which is also certified by the fact that pupils attending 3d and 4th grade also show higher statistical values on Inclusive Education compared to pupils attending the 5th grade.

Implications: The results suggest that more emphasis should be given on Inclusive and Inter/Transcultural Education in Greece, while the inclusive mindset needs more cultivation in older pupils and higher grade levels in all participated European countries.