Introduction
Today’s education systems are expected not only to impart academic knowledge but also to cultivate participatory, responsible, and critical-thinking citizens. Individuals exposed to democratic practices early in life are more likely to become active contributors to civic and political life as adults.
The Finnish Ministry of Education’s publication, “Participative Student – Co-active School”, provides a pioneering framework for how schools can systematically foster student engagement and establish a democratic, community-oriented school culture.
Though originally designed for teachers supervising student associations, this guide offers invaluable insights for educators, school administrators, policymakers, and local authorities.
Purpose of the Guide
The primary aim of the guide is to help students evolve from passive learners into active participants—individuals who suggest ideas, take part in decision-making, and influence their school environment. The guide seeks to embed student associations as functional democratic institutions, not symbolic entities.
It outlines how to structure student bodies, organize elections, distribute responsibilities, and cultivate participation skills through real-world practice.
Legal and Social Foundations
- Constitutional Rights
The Finnish Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to participation, including children and youth. Although they cannot vote, young people have the right to express opinions on issues that affect them.
- Local Government Act
Municipalities are legally obligated to involve children and young people in decision-making processes. This has led to the establishment of youth councils, children’s parliaments, and other participatory platforms.
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Article 12 of the Convention emphasizes every child’s right to express their views in matters affecting them, further reinforcing the need for participatory structures in schools.
Pedagogical Foundation: Alignment with the Curriculum
Core Values of the Finnish National Curriculum (2004):
- Human rights
- Equality
- Democracy
- Sustainable development
- Multiculturalism
Cross-Curricular Theme: “Active Citizenship and Entrepreneurship”
This theme promotes the development of initiative, collaboration, and critical thinking among students. Student associations serve as practical tools for implementing these values in daily school life.
Integration Across Subjects
- Social Studies: Civic roles, local governance
- Language & Literature: Debate, public speaking, argumentation
- Visual Arts: Posters, awareness campaigns
- Math/Science: Collaboration, problem-solving, research for campaigns
Structure and Function of the Student Association
Inclusive Membership
Every student is automatically a member of the student association. This inclusive model encourages horizontal participation and a sense of ownership.
Executive Committee
Each class elects 1–2 representatives to form the executive committee. The committee then elects its own chair, secretary, treasurer, and spokespersons.
Key Roles:
| Role | Responsibilities |
| Chair | Leads meetings, prepares the agenda, and represents the association |
| Secretary | Records minutes, manages documents |
| Treasurer | Oversees funds, budgeting, and fundraising |
| Spokesperson | Communicates decisions, updates the bulletin board |
| Committee Leads | Head thematic groups (e.g., environmental, anti-bullying) |
Elections and Democratic Representation
Step-by-Step Election Process:
- Orientation: Students are informed about the association’s goals and responsibilities.
- Candidacy: Volunteers nominate themselves.
- Classroom Dialogue: Students discuss the qualities of an effective representative.
- Voting: Representatives are chosen by class ballot or consensus.
- Announcement: Results are shared school-wide, via bulletin boards or school websites.
The election process itself fosters accountability, transparency, and democratic engagement.
Teaching and Practicing Democratic Skills
The guide highlights six core democratic competencies and provides methods to develop them:
| Skill | Description | Example Activities |
| Speaking | Expressing opinions clearly | Classroom discussions, presentations |
| Listening | Empathetic and active listening | Partner summaries, observation tasks |
| Presenting | Articulating thoughts confidently | Public speaking exercises |
| Negotiating | Reaching consensus through dialogue | Role-plays, simulations |
| Debating | Arguing respectfully and persuasively | Structured debates |
| Decision-making | Participating in collective choices | Classroom votes, group deliberation |
Meetings: A Laboratory for Democracy
Meetings serve as training grounds for real democratic engagement. They are held every two weeks and follow a structured format:
- Preparation – The Chair, secretary, and supervising teacher create the agenda.
- Opening – Attendance is taken; students introduce themselves.
- Agenda Review – Additional items are suggested and approved.
- Group Discussions – Students work in small groups to explore solutions.
- Decision-making – Ideas are presented, discussed, and voted on.
- Action Planning – Tasks are assigned to members for follow-up.
- Reflection – Students evaluate what went well and what could improve.
Representatives use a dedicated notebook to record key points and communicate them to their classmates.
Building a Cooperative School Community
Student Association ↔ Classes
Class representatives act as liaisons—gathering classmates’ input before meetings and sharing outcomes afterward. This promotes dialogue and accountability.
Student Association ↔ Principal
Regular meetings with the principal foster mutual understanding. “Principal’s Q&A Hour” sessions empower students to voice concerns directly.
Student Association ↔ Teachers
Teachers may attend meetings as observers or advisors. A standing agenda item for “student association updates” is included in staff meetings.
Student Association ↔ School Board / PTA
Student representatives attend at least one school board or parent-teacher meeting annually to share student perspectives and encourage mutual cooperation.
Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms
Evaluation Criteria:
- Student engagement levels
- Implementation rate of decisions
- Satisfaction and sense of agency
- Quality of communication
- Self-reflection and growth
Sample Reflection Questions:
- “Did I contribute meaningfully to the discussion?”
- “Did I listen actively to others?”
- “Did I complete my assigned responsibilities?”
- “What can I do better next time?”
These evaluations help foster self-awareness, build leadership skills, and sustain long-term motivation.
Conclusion: Democracy Begins at School
Participative Student – Co-active School proves that democracy is not simply taught—it is lived. When students are trusted, heard, and empowered, schools become collaborative communities of respect and shared responsibility.
Core Benefits:
- Students feel respected and capable of making a difference.
- A cooperative, problem-solving environment emerges.
- Relationships between students and staff are strengthened.
- School morale and participation improve dramatically.
Final Thought
Adapting this model beyond Finland, such as in Turkey or other countries, can transform passive learning environments into vibrant, democratic ecosystems. Student councils, participatory classrooms, and structured feedback loops help build not only better schools but also
better societies.
Source: Nousiainen, L., & Piekkari, U. (2006). Participating Student – Co-active School: Guide for student association’s supervising teacher. Publications of the Ministry of Education, 2006:19.
