FACILITATING MARGINALIZED STUDENTS THROUGH LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

In recent times adolescents are unable to utilize their potential to the maximum due to inappropriate and debilitating environments. The resulting impacts caused are adverse and far-reaching; yet, most often this powerful correlation is overlooked or underestimated. It is a common sight to see adolescents become less confident, less motivated and engage in anti- social activities. It has been seen that Life skills acquired through direct life experiences and education can help students to cope with the demands of life. The world health organization has listed core life skills such as social, emotional and cognitive skills as paramount. These skills are capable of empowering students, especially those from low- socio- economic backgrounds. 

The present paper attempts to examine the decision making skill of students belonging to from low- socio economic backgrounds (Marginalized) - of the eighth standard from the SSC board. The study adopted a two stage sampling technique. The total sample for the study was 320 students studying in eighth standard who were selected from an aided school in the city of Mumbai. The methodology of the present study was an experimental one. The study adopted was a quasi-experimental design of the pre-test- post-test, non-equivalent groups. The paper consists of two parts, inclusive of quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The intervention programme included lessons on the skill of decision- making. The statistical technique used for the quantitative data analysis was ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance).  The qualitative data analysis included the focused group interviews. The findings of the study show that there is a significant difference in the post – test scores of students on their decision making of control and experimental group after partialling out the effect of pre-test scores. The mean scores of experimental group are significantly higher than the mean scores of control group. 

The effect size of the treatment on decision making was small but effective. It was observed that the Life Skills Education Programme implemented was effective in enhancing the decision making power of marginalized students. The qualitative data includes the views and opinions of students. Each student enjoyed but most importantly valued the programme. The activities incorporated enabled the students to understand the decision making wheel and apply in their own lives.