LE3 .A278 2003

2003

Cooley, Miriam

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

The purpose of the research was to explore variables that shape school spirit and determine effects on students. Hermeneutic phenomenology, where the focus is on lived experiences, interpretation of those experiences, and the essence of phenomena, provided an appropriate framework. General literature review and the Newfoundland Quality of School Life Survey provided initial background information and together formed a guide for interviews with ten students. From participants' reflections, the four key variables of school spirit identified were: school atmosphere or milieu, student connection to school, connection to others, and sense of self in relation to school. The study provided a student perspective on the characteristics of school spirit. These characteristics may provide direction to student, school, district, and government initiatives to promote positive school spirit and improve the lives of students in school.

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