Radioamadorismo escolar e o prazer de estar na escola

: um estudo de caso

Abstract

In this work we studied the contribution of school clubs in the promotion of learning with regards to educational success. This case study took place in Gouveia Interschools Network and focused on a group of students who attend the school amateur radio club. Our aim was to analyze – and possibly confirm- the positive effects of the students' involvement in extracurricular activities like the amateur radio club on their personal development and academic achievement. The growing importance that amateur radio has gained in this school context, as well as the advantages it presents for students and the school community - both from a social and solidarity point of view - justify the choice of this object of investigation. Forty seven students - who are members of the radio club -, sixteen teachers, five parents, and the researcher as a participant observer, participated in this research. The dissertation begins by presenting a theoretical approach to extracurricular activities and school clubs. It draws on a framework of what amateur radio is, either as a hobby or as an aid in the development of academic skills. The history of the club's communications in Gouveia Interschools Network is told from its beginning to the present days. The second part presents the methodology adopted for this case study, as well as the analysis of the information gathered through the “insider” investigator's observations, testimonials from the students who participated in the club, the data collected from surveys administered to the club students and to the teachers connected to these students, and the interviews to the students’ parents. We also analyzed data related to the activities of the club, to the student’s level of satisfaction from attending the school, dynamics of inclusion, personal and social skills, school performance, general knowledge, the school dropout rates and school results. This study showed the high value added by extracurricular activities and nonformal education. Finally it also demonstrated that clubs are an important part of the students’ curriculum options because they offer them extra motivation beyond the national curriculum. The important role that an amateur radio club plays in a school is hereby confirmed.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	José Afonso Baptista (Supervisor)