Finnish children’s views on the ideal school and learning environment

Abstract

This grounded-theory study involved how Finnish children describe their ideal school and learning environment and considers how their notions should be valued in the development of schools to better respond to the challenges of the future. The school children, aged 10–12 years, participated in the study by writing a story about a school in which they would be happy to study. Ninety-three children’s stories were coded and analysed, and a model of the ideal school and learning environment based on their ideas was developed. This model school, called a Broadening and Empowering Learning Environment, is designed to contribute to children’s physical, educational, cultural and socio-emotional well-being, offers opportunities for fantasy and innovation, and employs creative and sports-based learning methods, among others, in both formal and informal settings. The study showed that children, as educational stakeholders, are well aware of the potential of modern schools and of the different aspects that would enhance their ability to learn and their satisfaction with schooling.