Q&A: What is Student Voice?
By Stuart Grey
What is Student Voice?
Student voice is a term used to describe the ways in which young people can have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. It is based on the belief that young people have the right to be involved in the decisions that affect them, and that their voices should be heard in the development of policies and practices that affect their lives.
There is no single definition of student voice, but it generally includes any form of student participation in decision-making, whether it is through formal channels such as student councils or student representative bodies, or through informal channels such as student-led campaigns or student-led research.
The concept of student voice has its roots in the student rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, when students began to assert their rights to be involved in the decision-making processes of their schools and universities.
Student voice has since become an important part of education policy and practice in many countries around the world. Student voice is often seen as a way of empowering young people and developing their skills in critical thinking, advocacy, and leadership. It is also seen as a way of improving the quality of education by making sure that young people's needs and concerns are taken into account in decision-making.
What is meant by student voice?
There is no single definition of student voice, but the general idea is that students have a say in their education and their school community. This can mean different things in different contexts, but some common examples include students having a role in decision-making, providing feedback on their experiences, and advocating for change.
How do you capture the student voice?
There are many ways to capture the student voice. Some common methods include surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
What is the best structure for a student voice survey?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best structure for a student voice survey will vary depending on the specific goals and objectives of the survey. However, some tips on designing an effective student voice survey include:
- Keep the survey short and to the point. Students are more likely to respond to a survey that is brief and easy to complete.
- Ask questions that are relevant to the students. Make sure the questions you include are ones that will give you the information you need to improve the student experience.
- Give students the option to skip questions. Some students may not feel comfortable answering certain questions. Allowing them to skip these questions will increase the chances that they will complete the survey.
What is the best structure for a student voice focus group?
There is no one answer to this question as it will vary depending on the specific goals and objectives of the focus group. However, some tips to keep in mind when organizing a student voice focus group include ensuring that the group is diverse in terms of age, gender, race, and academic ability, and making sure that all members feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly. Additionally, it can be helpful to appoint a moderator to keep the discussion on track and to ensure that all members have a chance to share their thoughts and opinions.
What is the Best Structure for a Student Voice Interview?
When conducting a student voice interview, it is important to ask open-ended questions that allow the student to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It is also important to create a safe and welcoming environment where the student feels comfortable sharing their experiences.
Why is Capturing the Student Voice Important?
Capturing the student voice is important because it allows educators to understand the student perspective and identify areas where students may need additional support. It also provides students with an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences, which can help to build a stronger sense of community within the classroom.
What is Student Voice in Higher Education?
There is no single definition of student voice in higher education, but the concept generally refers to the ways in which students can be involved in decisions and policymaking that affect their lives and education. This can include everything from having a say in the design of their courses and curriculum, to being involved in decisions about campus life and services. Student voice can also be a way for students to hold institutions and educators accountable for their actions and decisions.