1997/98 PCERII Funded Research Abstract

Research Title: The Voices of Immigrant Children in Canadian Schools

Research Team: Dr. Bernard Schissel (University of Saskatchewan) - Principal Investigator

Research Domain(s): Education

This research project is designed to study the attitudes and behaviours of immigrant children and youth in the Canadian school system. This interview-based survey of Saskatchewan elementary and high school immigrant students compares their experiences in the school system on the bases of gender, geography, socio-economic status, and country of origin. The results will provide a significant contribution to the study of immigration, education and integration because of the focus on the ‘voices’ of students. Education policy rarely draws on the individual and collective insights of children and this research begins with the premise that students are the most important stakeholders in the education system. As a consequence, they may have the most relevant recommendations for creating a more livable school environment which respects diversity.