Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2018
Secondary school students' perspectives and use of three school grounds of varying size, content and design
Jansson, Marit; Abdulah, Maroa; Eriksson, AndreaAbstract
School grounds can have multiple values, and especially sufficient size, green elements, variation, integrated design and participatory development have been described as positive qualities. However, many studies have focused on pre-school and primary school grounds, while less is known about school grounds for adolescents. This study explored how secondary school students experience and use school grounds of varying size, content and design. The study included one class in year 8 (aged 14-15) at each of three schools in southern Sweden. A questionnaire with mainly open questions was distributed, followed by both individual interviews and walking interviews with four students from each class. The results show that school grounds were appreciated, but also that many chose to stay indoors. Large surface area and varied content, with ball courts, greenery, seating and multifunctional equipment, were valued, but a school ground design with integrated and pleasant settings, allowing socialising and activities, particularly support use by secondary school students.Keywords
Adolescents; Children's perspectives; Green space; Landscape architecture; Schoolyard; TeenagersPublished in
Urban Forestry and Urban Greening2018, volume: 30, pages: 115-123
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG
Authors' information
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Abdulah, Maroa
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Eriksson, Andrea
No organisation
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
UKÄ Subject classification
Landscape Architecture
Publication Identifiers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2018.01.015
URI (permanent link to this page)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/95126