School culture shoulders a big responsibility in stirring the kind of influence that molds a student’s life. School culture typically refers to the values, traditions, and rituals in an educational environment. It highlights the relationship between teachers, school staff and students and their alignment with the school’s vision. It is a dynamic and powerful force that shapes the academic path of students. It consists of rules, code of conduct, decision decision-making powers, manners, behaviours towards each other and the environment where all of these take place. So, school culture in its entirety, comprises all the elements that define the soul and essence of a school community.
(Note: The term ‘school’ here extends to all types of educational institutes)
The type of environment that a student is exposed to is pivotal in shaping academic outcomes. A school that encourages growth, fosters mutual respect and sense of community will have their students feel positive about the learning process. A school that values academic rigour and excellence will inspire students to achieve that excellence. It also has a significant impact on student well-being. A school culture that promotes close knit relationships between teachers and students and among peers can help decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. Records have found that such a force results in fewer students reporting feelings and experiences of emotional problems. Research also shows that the relationship between mental health, emotional wellbeing, and positive school culture is tremendous. These are associated with factors such as feelings of safety at school, supportive teachers and peers and sense of belongingness and unity.
When students feel supported and valued they are more likely to take interest in their learning, seek help when needed and develop a mindset that is growth-oriented. On the other hand, negative school culture can be highly detrimental to students’ well-being. Such a culture is extremely toxic and can hinder a student’s ability to thrive emotionally and academically. An age old example is the case of bullying. Bullying is a devastating reality that many students have fallen victim to. The many reasons that students have reported being bullied are 'physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, economic background, etc.’ In essence, bullying stems from intolerance and unacceptance for anyone who does not fit those standards. Victims of bullying are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school.
It has become increasingly important for schools to create such an environment that promotes anti-bullying policies and has intolerance for bullying. Among establishing anti-bullying reforms, there are other ways to foster a positive school culture and maintain it.
1) Rewarding positive behaviours: This includes rewarding and empowering students in creating inclusive activities and participating in it. Such things can encourage students to maintain a positive environment for themselves and their peers.
2) Effective communication, building trust and sense of community: Transparency in student-teacher relationship and peer groups plays a significant role in establishing trust and mutual respect. Transparent communication encourages help-seeking when needed and promotes a supportive environment for students. Transparency among peers can be developed through team building activities and initiatives where all peers are involved together in some way.
3) Crisis management and emotional support: Teaching healthy coping mechanisms for managing crises when they arise can be beneficial for students. It can build confidence in students to be independent and manage their problems effectively. A solid emotional support system that can help them navigate challenges will further help create a safe and supportive school environment that has no place for judgment and criticism.
Students spend a majority of their day in educational institutes. So, building a positive school culture is of primary importance if we are to ensure well-being and growth. We pick up social cues and weave them into our lives, therefore it is necessary to choose the right threads that can guide us and impact our minds and behaviours positively.
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I wish every school would follow this ☺️