Pupil council

Every Finnish (…)

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: Pupils and teachers

It is directed at students aged:  All ages

Target group: Class

Main subjects involved:

ICT involvement:  no

Description of the practice: Every Finnish school has a pupil council. Every school class votes two representatives to the council. The council is a place where the students can influence and decide and plan many kinds of school activities (e.g. a Valentine’s Day party, game day) – so they plan activities which are meaningful to the students and where every student can participate. The pupil council can have a meeting for example one or twice a month.

“Pupil councils constitute a significant form of citizenship education in schools. The opportunity to take part in discussion and decision-making pertaining to issues of common interest in the school develops the young citizens’ self-expression and argumentation skills, their ability to listen to others and to reach consensus through open dialogue and discussion, as well as their understanding of the prerequisites and methods of the democratic decision-making process.”( https://omaoppilaskunta.fi/in-english/)

Accessible to any student: yes

Meaningful participation for every student: yes and no

Why?: It depends on the pupils and the their activity and attitude – you can participate if you will

Support to the practice: yes

Link with more information: Website |

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