Abstract

MORENO, Martha Givaudan; ROMERO, Angélica  and  DAVILA, Marco A. Barriga. The effect of the program "I want to, I can... be successful in school" on the transition from primary to secondary school in rural schools in the State of Chiapas. Psicol. educ. [online]. 2012, n.34, pp.186-206. ISSN 1414-6975.

Life skills are defined as necessary competencies for the development of adaptive and positive behaviors for individuals to effectively manage daily life demands and challenges, leading to the development of healthy behaviors and well-being. Included in a systematic manner in the curriculum, the aforementioned skills contribute to motivation and staying in school. The present study investigated the development, instrumentation and evaluation of the program "I want to, I can... be successful in school" in its design to improve academic performance and prevent school dropout. From the rural Las Margaritas, in the State of Chiapas, 1,300 6th grade students from selected schools participated and formed an experimental group (N=601) and a control group (N= 699). The program consisted of a training component for teachers who replicated the content in their classrooms, pre and post evaluations and accompaniment visits were provided for teachers. The results show an increase in life skills, such as self-knowledge, responsibility and organization, as well as motivation to study, in participants. Furthermore, 87% of the participants increased their grade point average (GPA), attendance and enrollment in secondary school. However, within the control group, the percentage of students that enrolled in secondary school was only 68%. Despite the recognition of the importance of life skills and psychosocial competencies, its inclusion in basic education curriculum has been very limited until now. Integrating this component in a systematized manner for its formal contribution to school success and prevention of school dropout is necessary in marginalized communities. Staying in school is a protective factor for other psychosocial risks, such as addictions and violence.

Keywords : elementary school students; teachers; life skills; school performance; school dropout prevention.

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