REIMAGINING EDUCATION: STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF AN IDEAL SCHOOL

Abstract

In response to the need for transformative changes in education, this research delves
into the concept of an ideal school, exploring the perspectives of students and the meta-
perspectives of their teachers.
The sample for the quantitative study consisted of 4909 students from the last two
grades (51.9% girls) who study in Macedonian (61.4%), Albanian (33.9%), or Turkish (4.7%)
language of instruction, as well as 4783 teachers (72% females) who teach in grades 4-9 in
Macedonian (61.9%), Albanian (36.9%), or Turkish (1.2%), from 119 different primary schools
in the country. Additionally, 93 students from 9 selected schools, whose language of instruction
is Macedonian (78.5%) or Albanian (22.5%), participated in focus groups, thus
providing data for in-depth qualitative analysis.
The results from the quantitative analysis emphasize students’ priorities, such as clean
toilets, internet access, and a reduced number of subjects in the curricula. The findings
from the focus group discussions, on the other hand, highlight students’ desire for a more
engaging and practical curriculum, emphasizing their need for skill development over
theoretical knowledge. The study also uncovers students’ dissatisfaction with the prevailing
teaching methods, advocating for more interactive and enjoyable learning experiences.
Generally, teachers are well informed on students’ preferences and expectations.
The findings align with key educational theories and contemporary discussions on student-
centered, engaging, and inclusive learning environments. The research sheds light
on students’ perspectives and aspirations, providing valuable insights for educators and
policymakers aiming to create a more inclusive and student-centric educational system.