Paper short abstract:

This paper is based on the results of my dissertation I Want Good Grades (2021). An issue to highlight is the capacity of ethnological research to contribute to the educational field about pupils’ approach to and conditions concerning education, schooling, learning, and knowledge.

Paper long abstract:

This paper is based on the results of my dissertation I want good grades. An ethnological study of strong school results and practices of pupils in lower secondary education (2021). (In Swedish: Jag vill ha bra betyg. En etnologisk studie om höga skolresultat och högstadieelevers praktiker). The purpose of the study was to analyse and bring attention to the way ideas, practices and conditions interact and enable strong school results among pupils. Material was collected using ethnographic methodology involving qualitative fieldwork methods, such as observations, semi-structured interviews, and dialogues. I highlighted three main findings: 1) For most pupils, school was about constantly performing, being assessed and being graded, and not about learning or gaining knowledge. 2) Extensive work at home and parental support are crucial for good school results. 3) Pupils from academic backgrounds are benefited by today’s school system. The school system does not provide equal education. Instead, it amplifies the unequal life chances and segregation of children and youth.

The results of the study indicated the necessity of an explorative and holistic perspective on everyday life of pupils and their educational resources for understanding and explaining their results at school, and their experience, altogether, of education and schooling. The study also indicated that ethnological methods, perspectives, and analysis have the capacity to leave important contributions to the educational field and research concerning pupils’ approach and conditions to education, schooling, learning, and knowledge.