Introduction

This study is a pre-research for a thesis. The aim of the thesis is to identify the user network of a school, to gather opinions on the properties of the school's perimeter from these users, and to derive concepts of good environment through the needs arisen in the school context. This pre-research includes testing and analyzing the methods of gathering opinions from various users regarding the school perimeter.

Theoretical Background

The theoretical background of the thesis is in communicative planning theory. Hence, the methods tested apply this theoretical background. Network and stakeholder theories are also applied in performing the user network analysis for the thesis.

Research Methods and Data

A mobile telephone application (Binder by Brieftec Ltd) was tested in gathering children's opinions on their environment. The application allows gathering of photo, audio, video and text based observations on the environment. The observations are saved with coordinates, which enables mapping them. The content of the observations was specified in interviews. The method was tested in Arabia Elementary School in Helsinki, during spring 2007. A group of 22 4th grade* pupils took part in the test by using Binder to record their places of interest in the school perimeter. In autumn 2007 the teachers joined in testing an interview method, in which they were asked to mark the school perimeter on a map, as perceived individually, and pointing out places of importance to their role as teachers. The test group consisted of 11 teachers from the "Kuninkaantie schools", i.e. elementary schools in the Puistola-Jakomäki area in Helsinki. The development of an Internet based school forum has been started in collaboration with the Kuninkaantie schools. A map based application, developed for the purpose of marking down important places in school perimeters, is being used to test if the method can bring forward the opinions of other interest groups of the school, concerning the relation between the school and its perimeter.

Results

It can be stated, based on the data collected by the method testing, that differing approaches need to be applied in studying the different user groups' relations to their perimeters. The immediate perimeter data gathering method, e.g. the Binder application, seems to be a good approach to study the children. It could be difficult for a child, as a pupil, to analyze the school's perimeter in an interview. Adults, on the other hand, can more easily analyze their environment in e.g. the teacher's role. SWOT based experiences are gathered in the interviews, and the material yields information on the TSL* effects of the perimeter. The tested methods form a good basis to define the research method by, in the thesis. The methods can be used in studying large groups (Internet) or focusing on smaller samplings (the mobile application, map drawing). It appears that in order to identify the perimeter experience of various users, who differ in age and their relations to the school, a multitude of methods needs to be applied.

*SWOT = Strenght, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
*TSL = teaching-studying-learning