Bulgarian Journal of Science and Education Policy (Dec 2022)
Teachers' Beliefs on Factors Affecting the Failure of Roma Childrev
Abstract
The Roma constitute numerous national minority in Serbia which faces various problems reflected in extreme poverty, poor living conditions and low social, economic and educational status. Since education is one of the most important factors that can determine their future success in life, it is crucial to analyse the reasons for their failure in school. Considering the importance of teachers for educational outcomes, this study aims to investigate teachers´ opinions regarding the factors in academic achievements of Roma children. The paper is based on the research that included 450 teachers from the southern Serbia, aiming to estimate the impact of various factors that influence the academic achievements of Roma children. The results present teachers opinions regarding the dominant group of factors whose influences are intertwined: poverty, poor living conditions, insufficient preparedness for school, inability to understand the language in which the lessons are presented, irregular attendance at school and additional help in learning by teachers and others. The results of the research indicate the existence of statistically significant differences in relation to teachers gender, the length of their teaching experience and different types of education. The results also point to the importance of inclusive education, which has proved to have potential to change some prejudices about minority populations, as well as to help these children become an integral part of the society in which they live.
