ENCOURAGING ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DECISION MAKING IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This study aims to analyze efforts to encourage active participation of elementary school students in decision-making within the school environment as part of developing citizenship competencies. The issue raised is the still low level of student involvement in the decision-making process, which tends to be dominated by the school, preventing students from playing an active role in democratic school life. This study used a qualitative method with a literature study approach (library research), which examined various relevant scientific sources from national journals published in 2020 and later. The study results indicate that student participation remains limited due to a lack of dialogue, a less-than-democratic school culture, and minimal implementation of participatory learning. On the other hand, active student participation has been shown to have a positive impact on improving critical thinking skills, responsibility, and social skills. Key factors influencing student participation include principal leadership, learning methods, school culture, and the availability of deliberation forums. Efforts to encourage active student participation include implementing participatory leadership, developing a democratic school culture, integrating collaborative learning, and providing deliberation forums to channel student aspirations. Thus, student participation in decision-making is a crucial tool in developing democratic character and citizenship competencies from an early age in elementary school.