Perception of Secondary Education students about school mediation in Castellon and Valencia

Abstract

The social reality is in constant change; therefore an effort to upgrade the educational responses to improve coexistence is required from the educational system. In this context, school mediation has proven its educational potential, as it influences the improvement of the individual, of the interpersonal relationships as well as of the school climate. However, there is little research to understand the real impact of school mediation programmes. In this paper we present a study aimed at identifying the students’ perception on mediation in five secondary schools in Valencia and four in Castellon. We also intended to find out significant differences between the results from both areas. To achieve these objectives we have collected information from 1043 students through an ad hoc questionnaire. Based on a descriptive-inferential study, data highlight the great agreement among students in valuing positively mediation. As for improvement aspects, the results pointed out the need to disseminate information about mediation services in schools, to train in mediation all students, to expand the functions of mediators over those tasks related to teaching and learning, and to solve conflicts between students and teachers. Finally, we found that, in general, satisfaction about mediation is lower in Valencia than in Castellon. In conclusion, the study shows that the school mediation is considered advantageous for students as an opportunity that facilitates the management of their own conflicts; even though there are aspects that must be further developed in order to reach a pacific coexistence and to improve the configuration of a democratic citizenship.