Bakthavatchaalam, Venkat and Kononen, Salla
2025.
"The world as it should be": voices of Finnish school students on the role of engineering in shaping the future.
Presented at: SEFI 53rd Annual Conference,
Tampere, Finland,
15-18 September 2025.
Published in: Kangaslampi, R., Langie, G., Järvinen, H-M. and Nagy, B. eds.
SEFI2025.
Zenodo,
10.5281/zenodo.17632076
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Abstract
This qualitative study explores how high school students in Tampere, Finland, perceive their future and the role of engineering in societal transformation. Involving 72 students aged 16–18 from both the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and the national curriculum, the study explores how young people conceptualise their potential to effect social change through engineering. It focuses, particularly, on their understanding of engineering to promote sustainability, enable technological innovation, and advance social justice. Data were collected through group discussions and individual reflections. The results reveal a wide range of perspectives on the societal impact of engineering. While many students view engineering as essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change and healthcare, they also express varying levels of anxiety and pessimism about the future. The study provides insights into educational strategies that can enhance students' understanding of engineering as a tool for social transformation. It offers valuable implications for educators and policymakers seeking to empower the next generation to engage meaningfully with complex global issues.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Published Online |
| Status: | In Press |
| Schools: | Schools > Engineering |
| Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education |
| Publisher: | Zenodo |
| ISBN: | 978-2-87352-029-8 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 12 December 2025 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 1 May 2025 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Dec 2025 11:15 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183160 |
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