1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«[T]his study analyses the view of several professionals on Mexican refugee claimants’ families and the educational process of Mexican refugee claimant children while attending elementary schools in Quebec. The purpose is to assess how their educational needs are currently met and provide suggestions for improvement. The overriding concern relates to the academic achievement of Mexican refugee claimant children in the classroom.» (p. 25)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«The following further questions stem from this: 1. To what extent are the teachers, parents, or community members involved in the adaptation process of refugee claimant students? 2. What cultural and linguistic barriers affect the school experience of refugee children? 3. To what extent is the refugee claimant experience traumatic and are there related resources available for parents and teachers?» (p. 25)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The participants included an immigration lawyer, a social worker, and three elementary school teachers.» (p. 26)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«The research shows that refugee claimant families are subject to severe amounts of stress due to their traumatic past and uncertain future. This affects all family members; children bring this stress to school, evidently affecting their performance and general involvement at school. All respondents suggest that the children’s academic success depends on the family and the importance the family attaches to education. Teachers also believe that the lack of knowledge of the French language poses roadblocks for these children’s learning. The recommendations stemming from this research include the need to create an umbrella organisation that would provide information directly to teachers regarding this specific population and the importance of Canadian professionals building trustworthy relationships with these families. This timely research can provide information to policymakers, teachers, and other professionals involved with the refugee determination process, and future research, thus contributing to a healthier multicultural Quebec society.» (p. iii-iv)