Building civic participation and socio-critical learning in rural schools

Abstract

This paper approaches territorial planning and citizen participation in rural schools from the perspective of Critical Geography. In 2022, the Alifara Rural Cluster School in the region of Teruel (Spain) implemented the project "Nos Propomos!". The overall objective of this research is to encourage citizen participation in rural schools, contribute to local sustainable development and stimulate research in these schools. The present study responds to a qualitative research where the research model used is classified as descriptive analytical. It was carried out in a multigrade classroom with students of fourth, fifth and sixth grade of primary school in Ráfales, Teruel (Spain). It focuses on identifying local problems and proposing solutions from an integral and global perspective. After the implementation of the project, the students showed interest in civic participation and in improving their municipality, based on the "Nos Propomos!" methodology. It also establishes partnerships between schools, municipalities, universities, associations and companies. "Nos Propomos!" allows students to be protagonists of their learning and agents of change in their communities, promoting practical education and active participation in decision-making.