Pupil involvement in school affairs

Archer, Edward G. (1982) Pupil involvement in school affairs. MLitt(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The research constitutes an enquiry into forms of pupil involvement in Scottish secondary school. The introduction begins by recounting the management-orientated background of the research. The main purpose of the research is established, namely to develop a set of guidelines such as might be useful to staff who are engaged in school management. A survey approach is seen as impractical and inappropriate and an approach based on the study of selected cases is preferred. The theoretical discussion in Chapter 2 refers to key concepts relating to pupil-centred education and to the notions of involvement and participation. Three models of pupil involvement are postulated, one being authority-based, the second rights-based and termed a 'democratic model', the third being needs-based and termed a 'training model'. These models are intended to help clarify some of the complexities-of the situation, and. they also provide a framework for the examination, of practice in schools. The extensive enquiries into practice in five selected schools where there are pupil councils are reported in detail in Chapter 3. The different origins, structures and procedures are identified and compared. Particular attention is paid to Headteacher roles, and to the roles of other staff in key positions, in trying to throw light on the nature of pupil involvement. The situations in these schools are examined in as much detail as possible in order to provide the basis for a set of guidelines for staff and pupils interested in establishing or improving pupil council arrangements. Material gathered from many other schools also provides content for the guidelines; these are set out in the seven sections which form Chapter 4. The concluding discussion in Chapter 5 argues that the research has been successful in achieving its main purpose, that of generating a set of guidelines for those who are concerned in the management of pupil involvement. It is further argued that traditional forms of involvement through prefect systems where they survive are not in tune with the present 'climate of thought. Pupil councils, displaying something of both a 'training' and a 'democratic' model, are represented as essential to secondary schools today. The enquiry ends as it began, with a discussion of management in terms of the light which examples of pupil involvement might throw on management theory and practice. Additional data and documentation are located in the appendices. There is also a bibliography of key works consulted during the enquiry. Videotaped examples of several pupil councils in session in two schools, with a studio interview of one Headteacher and two pupil councillors, accompany this thesis.

• Item Type: Thesis (MLitt(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Supervisor's Name: MacKenzie, Mr. Malcolm L.
• Date of Award: 1982
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1982-83201
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2022 07:21
• Last Modified: 17 Oct 2022 07:22
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.83201
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/83201