Browsing by Author "Palmumäki, Pyry"

The aim of this study was to explore post-secondary school education (i.e. tenth grade) students' conceptions of the main goals of the tenth grade, actualized contents in the tenth grade and role of the tenth grade in the Finnish educational system. In this study there were also examined the motivational as well as contextual factors that had influenced the student's educational selection. Further, this study aimed to unravel perspectives that would help in improving secondary- and supplementary school education to prevent educational exclusion and school drop out after post-secondary school. Qualitative data was gathered by using theme interview. Interviews were conducted in early 2014, at a preselected time and location in a secondary school in Helsinki. The participants were 8 students attending a tenth grade. The structure of interview was allowed to develop individually during the interview process, which is typical for theme based interviews. The collected data was analyzed relying on a theory grounded qualitative content analysis. The results of the study indicated that tenth grade was seen as a part of Finnish educational system, aim of which is to prevent educational exclusion by implementing educationally and personally meaningful contents in practice. The participants decisions to apply for the tenth grade was influenced by both motivational and contextual factors. The analysis of motivational factors revealed that the participants emphasized reflecting his/hers future as a result of that reflection being motivated to apply and participate in supplementary education. Contextual factors were emphasized as being supportive and clarifying components regarding the participants educational choices. Especially student counselling was seen as being an effective factor in making educational choices. According to the findings, one reason for the risk of school drop-out was a negative image of self as a pupil. Regarding the participants, that image changed positively during the tenth grade. That change appeared to have had a positive effect also to one's conceptions about school and studying. The result of this study brings valuable knowledge of tenth and of the factor related to educational exclusion. Understanding and recognizing these factors better, helps in developing our educational system to be better able to face and eliminate issues which cause educational exclusion.