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“Keeping an Eye Out”: Students’ Experiences of School Personnel’s Noticing in Shaping or Hindering a Positive School Climate

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Edling

    (Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Business Studies, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Ylva Bjereld

    (Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Robert Thornberg

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Peter Gill

    (Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Business Studies, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Maryam Bourbour

    (Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Business Studies, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Davoud Masoumi

    (Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Business Studies, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden)

Abstract

A positive school climate is characterized by a higher degree of well-being among students, reduced bullying, and improved academic performance. While many initiatives are aimed at creating a positive school climate, discussions in both research and theory frequently fail to acknowledge the essential role of school personnel. This study examines a purposeful sample of Swedish middle-school students (4th to 9th grade) of school personnel’s noticing in fostering or hindering a positive school climate. Fifteen (15) focus groups and 19 semi-structured interviews were analyzed, covering 133 participants selected from three schools (age range 10 to 16 years) in a Swedish municipality. Drawing on a framework of professional noticing and positive school and classroom climate, the investigation was conducted using a case study approach and analyzed with the help of content analysis. The results highlighted the importance placed by students on school personnel noticing appropriate things/events and responding accordingly. For this to happen, personnel need to (a) notice and make themselves visible; (b) be actively observing as a prerequisite to their noticing; (c) be receptive to noticing; (d) notice and grasp a full picture, including students’ perspectives; and (e) connect their noticing with appropriate actions.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Edling & Ylva Bjereld & Robert Thornberg & Peter Gill & Maryam Bourbour & Davoud Masoumi, 2025. "“Keeping an Eye Out”: Students’ Experiences of School Personnel’s Noticing in Shaping or Hindering a Positive School Climate," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:254-:d:1640242
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