Student activism: Learning through doing

Abstract

What do we know about student activism in Aotearoa New Zealand? How do schools view and respond to student activism? And, in what ways does the New Zealand Curriculum support student activism? This paper uses recent literature and media reports to examine the relationship between activism and formal education, including the benefits and challenges associated with in-school activism. Recent examples of out-of-school youth activism are analysed, giving insight to youth activism participation and expression. Adult responses to youth activism, the framing of youth activism and the agency, and ideas about the educational potential of student activism are also discussed.