New research project on the datafication of wellbeing in public schools

Associate professor at the IT University, Irina Papazu, has received a grant from Independent Research Fund Denmark to conduct research on the use of apps that measure pupil wellbeing in Danish public schools.

Researchchildren and youthgrants

Written 8 October, 2024 12:12 by Jari Kickbusch

Studies show that the level of pupil wellbeing in the Danish public schools is low. A survey from the National Institute of Public Health shows that only 11 percent of girls in the 9th grade (secondary school) are satisfied with their quality of life. From 2010-2022, the proportion of pupils "who felt anxious almost every week or frequently" increased from 23 to 59 percent.

Some teachers in the public schools use commercial apps to measure pupil wellbeing in an effort to help them discuss and deal with social issues. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how daily, self-reported and 'datafied' observation and action affects pupil wellbeing. Associate Professor Irina Papazu wants to change that. She has just been awarded approx. 3.2 million DKK for the three-year project, The Datafication of Wellbeing (DATAWELL): New Pedagogical Practices and Interventions in the Danish public school:

"We want to investigate how teachers and students experience and work with computerised wellbeing in the school classroom. We want the project to contribute to reflexive and research-based teaching that supports teachers in acting on issues related to pupil wellbeing in responsible ways," says Irina Papazu, who is also the co-leader of the IT University's, Center for Digital Welfare. The project team also includes postdoc at the IT University Simy Kaur Gahoonia, docent Lars Bo Andersen from University College Copenhagen and Helene Ratner, associate professor at The Danish School of Education.

Understanding data
The research project will be based on a qualitative study of the way in which wellbeing measurement apps are used in the interaction between the teacher, the individual pupil, and the school community. Through analysis of apps, observations of the work with wellbeing in the classroom, and interviews with teachers and headmasters, Irina Papazu will create a basis for theory development about the use of wellbeing apps in schools, for instance by developing teaching material on how to understand data for future teachers.

"The focus on wellbeing in public schools is not new, but when we want to focus on the datafication of pupil wellbeing, it is because it is a growing phenomenon that contains many dilemmas. For example, the apps make it possible to transfer wellbeing data outside the classrooms and may be used in contexts for which it was not intended. Thus, the apps also enable a form of monitoring and though the intention is good, it can cause great harm to the individual pupil if the data is not managed appropriately. This and other problematic aspects require an increased awareness and understanding of data among both teachers and school administrations. In this context, the grant from Independent Research Fund Denmark will strengthen both the research area and the schools' practice," concludes Irina Papazu.