School Climate Assemblies: A Study of Secondary Students' Perceptions

Identifier:  imarina:9524335

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9524335

Authors:  Monterde-Miralles, Nuria; Cebrian, Gisela; Junyent, Merce

Abstract:
This study analyzes secondary students' perceptions of the strengths and areas for improvement of the school climate assemblies that were organized during the 2023-24 academic year, the changes in everyday actions they have undertaken as a result of their participation in the assemblies, and students' self-perceived improvement in sustainability competencies. To this end, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed and administered to 206 students. The results show that the assemblies resulted in improvements in the students' self-perceived competencies, particularly in relation to collective action and systems thinking. Key strengths were identified, such as teamwork and the acquisition of new knowledge, while suggested areas for improvement include increasing the level of engagement and allocating more sessions to the assemblies. Students also report changes in their everyday environmental actions that are attributable to their participation. This study concludes that climate assemblies can be an effective educational strategy for promoting sustainability competencies.