Perception of Students about the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens: The Case of Kosovo

Abstract

Even in Kosovo, as in other countries, students are agents of change. They have good ideas to change the world around them. Therefore, we must make efforts to strengthen the students’ ideas of rights and responsibilities to all people. Students, who are the part of the changes, first will change themselves and later they will change the area where they live. The main purpose of this paper is to present the students' perceptions regarding the rights and responsibilities of citizens. This study will be based on the results of a survey which was carried out in lower secondary schools in Kosovo. The research was performed in rural and urban schools. In the research were involved eighth grade students. Students are selected randomly. In this study were used qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires have been the main instrument of research. Besides questionnaires, were made interviews with teachers. Since students are important agents who affect social change, then the outcomes of this research are very important and these will contribute to create a clear picture regarding the beliefs and attitudes of students to the rights and responsibilities of citizens. This study will assist in the promotion of justice and equality between different groups in our society. Also, to create clear ideas of students and increase their awareness of the importance of rights and responsibilities of citizens in our democratic society an important role has some other factors. In this regard, an important contribution can also provide schools, teachers, parents, textbooks and curricula. Finally, we must mention that Kosovo's schools are being a serious effort to educate young people about the rights and responsibilities of different groups in society. Fostering and developing civic understandings, skills, values, and participation have always been important goals for the schools. Schools reach almost all children and young people.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n2p219