A photovoice study of school belongingness among high school students in Norway

Although high school graduation is important for living conditions and health throughout life, many students do not complete. In Norway’s northern most county, Finnmark, up to 45% of students do not complete high school. Contrary to prior research that has primarily focused on causes for dropout, th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal of Circumpolar Health
Main Authors: Vaiva Sunniva Deraas Lieblein, Maria Warne, Suzanne Huot, Debbie Laliberte Rudman, Ruth Kjærsti Raanaas
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2018
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2017.1421369
https://doaj.org/article/8f31f35e42ae498fab619f2872a6f56a
Description
Summary:Although high school graduation is important for living conditions and health throughout life, many students do not complete. In Norway’s northern most county, Finnmark, up to 45% of students do not complete high school. Contrary to prior research that has primarily focused on causes for dropout, this study’s aim was to deepen understanding of factors that support high school attendance. A strengths-based participatory approach using photovoice addressed attendance factors as perceived by seven participating students from one high school in Finnmark. Qualitative content analysis of data generated through group dialogue about participant-generated photos and individual interviews identified six factors important for students’ school attendance: a supportive school environment, a good learning environment, recuperation and recreation, family and friends, goals and ambitions, and place attachment. Related aspects of a supportive environment and belongingness, where school staff made important contributions to promoting a positive environment, were essential.