David Henderson reports on the papers presented at the educational researchers’ conference in Dundee
SECONDARY pupils think much decision-making is “just donkey work”, the Scottish Educational Research Association was informed at its recent conference in Dundee. Pupil councils and other activities are seen as “tokenism”, a study by a Glasgow University researcher found.
Schools are now under a legal obligation to consult pupils as part of the drive to better citizenship but Iain Mills, who carried out a study in eight non-denominational secondaries in the three west of Scotland authorities, found significant pupil dissatisfaction and cynicism.
“There was no match between pupil and staff perceptions. Staff were largely positive. All schools had some form of council in place and involved pupils in a range of activities but pupils referred to it as tokenism and highlighted the lack of a real voice.
“Surprisingly, pupil satisfaction with decision-making opportunities was greater in schools with higher free meal entitlement.”
Mr Mills says other forms of pupil involvement do have high participation levels, such as helping with events, buddying and raising funds for charity. Three out of four of 142 senior pupils (76 per cent) were involved in some activity but only 25-37 per cent claimed to be involved in making decisions.
Only 26 per cent were satisfied with levels of decision-making and in one school this figure rose to 90 per cent, although many said they thought highly of their schools in other ways.
Pupils said they lacked the confidence to take part fully and were unsure what to do. Expectations may have been raised too high. The study found a poor flow of information to and from councils which could evolve into cliques or elites.
Mr Mills suggests teachers need help in involving pupils and recommends schools should establish citizenship co-ordinators who would introduce genuine opportunities for decision-making.
Schools ought to see pupil councils as vehicles for developing values and attitudes, rather than an end in themselves. Other options are to give pupils budgets and develop more lasting initiatives, moving away from one-off events.
