What happens when students get to innovate in a group? A project called the “ME project” was run in the spring at the Helsinki Media High School. During the project, students worked closely, collaborating on enhancing and enriching the school culture to be more inclusive. They learned about the school values and were given the task to make these values more known and present amongst the students and teachers. “The students involved gained the experience of self-impression through a creative project. It was great to see that we can learn from each other,” says a student involved in the project.
On what occasions do we refer to us or we, and what defines that group identity? What are the common factors and values that the members of the inner group share?
The word 'we' is more powerful than we often think. In the United States, the culture of sports and teams is extremely influential. At a football game, you can see and hear people that strongly identify with a specific team which is represented with the enthusiastic fans screaming 'we can do this' and 'we won!'. The identification of a group enhances the feeling of belonging, which plays an essential part in individuals purposes. It's all about the community and support.
This observation of social psychology was behind the school project that focused on enhancing the school culture. During the project, students worked closely, collaborating on enhancing and enriching the school culture to be more inclusive. Creating a common goal and meeting points for students from different backgrounds to come together was crucial in creating a shared identity.
Make the values more visible in the school and strengthen the school's spirit through a strengthened identity
At the heart of the project were the values of the school. Based on the values, the students developed and created music and school communication. The aim was to make the values more visible in the school and strengthen the school's spirit through a strengthened identity. The school values are justice, community, humanity, responsibility, education, and the desire and ability to learn.
For instance, the students made the beat themselves and came up with the lyrics—all of which highlight the values. Due to the global pandemic, two songs were completed. One song is more experimental while the other takes us back in time to feel like old-school rap. Many high school students and teachers took part. “They are not just students and artists, but everything else. When you get into a group and share ideas, it raises your ability to learn - and desire,” a teacher adds.
“During the project, we learned to listen to each other and collaborate. Being able to make music and learn the secrets of marketing helped us develop a variety of skills. The skills learned will go a long way, ”says a student at Helsinki Media High School.
If you want to learn, you can learn anything. Motivation plays a vital role in learning. Whenever you can learn something new, it develops and grows.
The songs represent the school and are filled with creativity, enthusiasm, and style. If you are interested in experiencing something new, check out the tunes!