Let Students Decide: What is our school culture?

Let’s be honest, not everyone is into the idea of letting students decide how to build a school culture. It involves letting go of control to a certain extent. Not many like this idea. 

Too often students are asked for their input on what could be done but little action comes from the students voice. 

What is a surefire way to make sure student don’t participate in school culture? You guessed it - don’t take their input seriously. 

Here is what we do know: Developing a positive school culture is essential for fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. 

When students are given a voice in shaping their school culture, it not only empowers them but also leads to a more inclusive and dynamic community. Let’s explore the benefits of a student driven school culture, why it's vital for teens to have a say. 

Also, if you have other ideas on recommendations for teachers and administrators on how to empower students - we are all ears. 

The Importance of School Culture

School culture is more than just the atmosphere in the hallways; it's a foundational element that influences academic performance, emotional well-being, and social development. 

A positive school culture creates an environment where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to take risks in their learning. 

According to the OECD, students who feel a sense of belonging at school are more likely to perform better academically and show more interest in their studies[6].

Focus on one thing as you ponder the importance of school culture - What do the students need to feel while here and how will we support them to create it? 

Benefits of Student-Led School Culture

Here are the basics. When students are given the opportunity to lead and participate in shaping their school culture, they become more engaged and motivated.

Student-led initiatives, such as student newspapers or community service projects, empower young people to make their voices heard and engage in meaningful activities that reflect their interests and concerns[4].

If you want to be student centered to empower and engage those in your care, ask them what projects they want to do, what community-service they care about, and initiatives they want to start. 

Don’t shoot down any ideas they come up with. Ideas like, “three recesses a day” from a 5th grader are epic ideas. If you know it won’t work out, dig deep and ask yourself why? This will prepare you for when the student, on their own behalf, comes to learn why that might not work. (Silly thought here - when the research overwhelmingly states more recess time benefits student behaviors and test scores, why hasn’t that happened yet? I’m guessing it is some adult reason like standards.) 

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Fact - Student-led communities are naturally more innovative and creative. When students are in charge, they can think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to challenges, creating a fresh and engaging school environment. 

This fosters a culture of innovation that can lead to exciting new initiatives and programs that might not have been possible under a more rigid leadership structure[2].

Again, don’t stop their brainstorming by speaking of your experiences. Let them find their own answers. If a limitation exists, they will find it. 

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Another Fact - A student-led school culture is more likely to reflect the diversity of its members and promote a culture of inclusion. Students from different backgrounds can come together, learn from each other, and work towards creating a more inclusive environment. This not only leads to better learning outcomes but also a more positive campus culture[2].

Diversity rules. If you are finding it hard to recruit a diverse student body to the peer leadership group, reflect on why that might be. Has the peer leadership group historically been a certain part of the student body? Has the group now had the necessary level of autonomy? Has the group been historically underfunded? 

If students don’t want to join, it's not their fault. Ask around if you need answers. Students will be brutally honest.

How to Empower Students in Shaping School Cultu

Prioritize Student Agency

Allow students to have a voice in how they want to learn and participate in school activities. This includes building a trusting and supportive relationship with learners. For instance, involve students in developing classroom rules or school policies, which gives them a sense of ownership and buy-in[1].

Provide Choices and Autonomy

Offer students choices in various aspects of their school life, such as research topics, novels to read, or how they want to showcase their learning. This makes activities and assessments more meaningful and relevant to them. For example, let students decide how they will present their projects, whether through presentations, videos, or live performances[1].

Support Student-Led Projects

Encourage and support student-led projects such as newspapers, clubs, and community service initiatives. These projects not only empower students but also provide valuable insights into school issues and areas for growth that might otherwise go unnoticed[4].

Foster a Culture of Feedback and Reflection

Create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and receiving feedback. Student-led discussions have proven to be more effective than teacher-led ones in developing interpersonal skills and critical thinking. This helps students learn how to learn and become lifelong learners[1].

Recommendations for Teachers and Administrators

Be the Guide on the Side

Shift from the traditional "sage on the stage" approach to a "guide on the side" role. This allows educators to support learners' individual needs while giving students the autonomy to self-direct their learning[1].

Encourage Student Leadership Roles

Provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within the school. This could be through student government, club leadership, or leading specific projects. Such roles help students develop critical skills like problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and collaboration[2].

Create Inclusive and Supportive Environments

Ensure that the school culture is inclusive and supportive of all students. When students feel valued and understood, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their learning. This includes addressing the unique needs and concerns of underrepresented groups on campus[2].

Remember, the key to a thriving school culture is to give students the autonomy to shape their own educational experience, fostering a sense of ownership, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Citations:

[1] https://hapara.com/blog/why-schools-should-choose-student-led-learning/

[2] https://www.goinconnect.com/knowledge-articles/why-a-student-community-should-be-student-led-the-importance-of-empowering-students

[3] https://erinpennings.com/create-good-thought-leadership-content-seo/

[4] https://www.edutopia.org/article/student-led-projects-school-leaders-can-support/

[5] https://www.smartbugmedia.com/writing-inbound-marketing-blog-articles

[6] https://t4.education/blog/how-school-culture-shapes-student-success/

[7] https://t4.education/blog/ten-key-elements-of-school-culture-that-can-improve-wellbeing/

[8] https://www.amle.org/student-leadership-is-fundamental-to-positive-school-climate/