Schulkulturelle

Schulkulturelle refers to the cultural dimension of a school, the set of shared values, norms, rituals, symbols and everyday practices that shape the learning environment. It captures how people interact, how authority is expressed, which behaviors are encouraged or discouraged, and how knowledge is constructed and legitimized within the school. The concept emphasizes that teaching and learning happen within a social culture, not only through curriculum and pedagogy.

Key elements of schulkulturelle include the principal norms and expectations guiding behavior; the quality of teacher–student relationships; patterns of collaboration and decision-making; disciplinary approaches and classroom routines; and the meaning attached to success, achievement and failure. Language, inclusivity, representation, and the degree of student voice and participation also play important roles. Physical space, symbols, routines, and school myths or stories can reinforce or challenge power dynamics and belonging. Schulkulturelle is shaped by broader national or regional educational systems, school leadership, and community context, and it evolves over time through policy changes, reforms, and everyday interactions.

Researchers study schulkulturelle using qualitative methods such as ethnography, interviews and observations to understand lived experiences, as well as quantitative tools like school climate surveys to assess perceptions of safety, equity and support. The concept is linked to outcomes in motivation, engagement, behavior and academic achievement, since a positive culture can foster inclusion, resilience and collaboration, while a negative culture may contribute to disengagement or inequities.

In practice, schools seek to cultivate constructive schulkulturelle through whole-school approaches, continuous professional development, inclusive practices, transparent governance, and meaningful student participation, aiming to create learning environments that are safe, supportive and conducive to achievement.