The student feels (…)

Here is another example of an engaging practice that, from a professional experience, fosters students’ SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT. By school engagement we mean students’ observable participation in school activities, sense of belonging to classmates and teachers, and valuing success in school-related goals.

It is implemented by: Teachers

It is directed at students aged:  12-14, 15-16, >16

Target group: Whole school approach

Main subjects involved: Languages, mathematics, history, arts, social skills, digital skills

ICT involvement:  yes

Description of the practice: The student feels that he or she is a part of a specific group that is seen as relevant in a wider context than school. Pupils are involved in decision making and get things done that have tangible evidence.

“A student council is one and the same as all the students in the school. The Student Council is a democratically elected body representing all the students in the school. The Board leads the activities of the Pupil Union and involves everyone in their implementation. All pupils are equally important members of the Pupil Council and the school community, and each has the right to influence their own affairs. The pupils are supported by a supervising teacher, who also liaises with other teachers and the headmaster. The Student Council is an important part of the school, just like the teachers, the head teacher and other school staff.

The aim of the student council is to encourage students to make a difference in the school community. Increasingly, they are also involved in influencing the municipality, at least where the views of children and young people are needed.” (https://omaoppilaskunta.fi/oppilaskunta-toimii/)

Accessible to any student: yes

Meaningful participation for every student: no

Why?: Not all students in the school can be involved in the student council.

Support to the practice: yes

Link with more information: Website |