Student Voice Questionnaire

Miskolc, Hungary 2009

Introduction

In Hungary, the current education system is undergoing various changes. As Hungary used to belong to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, it inherited the so called Prussian education system which was based on discipline. On the other hand, being now a EU member, Hungary has to harmonize its education system with EU standards, most of all the Bologna system.

Therefore Hungarian teachers and people in authority must direct our education system toward a most liberal, pluralistic and less discipline-based system. Part of that project must be the concept of ’Student Voice’ which has a considerable role in our schools but which could still be further developed. Our presentation will, hopefully, outline the current trends and areas in which we still need to improve our education.

Our school

The Hungarian School System has it to help students express their opinion.At first, the education system depended on the Prussian one.This strict way of teaching was suitable for the Communist period, too.

Teachers were like policemen in the classroom.

At that time the Student Council existed, but had only a supporting role.

Student Council

Fortunately it is different today.

Every student can be a member of the council, which has a president elected by these members.

The representatives have monthly meetings, where they decide on the followings:-         events for the week long campaign of the election of the

Student Headmaster-         the date and programs of the one-day-out-         giving award for the tidiest classroom in every semester-         vote for headmaster candidates-         suggestions for the entrance examination-         and they can reveal their positions in cases of discipline

Student Council

Beside the Student Council we have another forum, which cannot be found in the English School System.

The Youth Serviceman has the following tasks:-         prevention of using drugs-         help students from the lower classes of the

society-         support students, who lost their parents-         and he also has a word in cases of discipline

The Hungarian system is similar to the English one with the exception of TAB team and Pastoral Staff.

Student Council

Let’s see the result of the survey

This is important, because us students are trustworthy,serious

and we never, ever make mistakes.

Here’s some evidence to support this.

Note: The exact number of bored faces on this image is 16… It was a good day though

So. The Results.

Asked from everybody

Within school would you say that students have an impact in how the school is run?

Students

YesNo

YesNoNeither

YesNo

Teachers

Parents

Asked from everybody

Do you think there is anything the school could improve?Students

More people in the school council representativeTeachers should be easy-goingChange people in the influental postsTeachers should listen to the problems of students and help to solve themGive bigger power to the TAB team membersOrganize meetings where students can tell their ideas,suggestions for improvements Longer lunchbreakStudents meeting Psychologist Questionnaires Teachers take into consideration students’ advice

Asked from students

Within your school what schemes are you aware of that are in place for students to express their opinions?

School councilrepresentaiveHouse councilrepresentaiveTAB member

Form tutor

Subject teacher

Pastoral staff

Other

Asked from everybody

Do you think there is anything the school could improve?

Teachers Parents

Informing parentsOrganising programsBetter attitude towards studentsTaking opinions more seriously

Classes held in smaller groupsBy students having the courage to tell their teachers their opinionsBy teachers paying more attention to students and their problemsStudents should be more critical of their own behaviourBy organizing programs for students (more school trips,etc.)More cooperative teachers are needed who value the inner characters of studentsWe could create a Tech Activities Board-like organization with them

Asked from students

Have you ever discussed your views about school with any of the following?

School councilrepresentaiveHouse councilrepresentaiveTAB member

Form tutor

Subject teacher

Pastoral staff

Other

Asked from students

Through these groups including students are you aware of any changes that have been

achived?

Do you consider these groups to be effective?

YesNo

YesNo

Asked from students

Through these groups including students are you aware of any changes that have been

achived?

TeachersChaplainOther studentsOthers

Asked from students

What changes do you know of in school that have been as a result of student voice?

Students’ Week – was organised by students.So called ’Health Day’Changed the dates of the Students Week for a better time.Some teachers show good and funny attitudeBenches on the corridors.If we don’t want to write tests the easy-going teachers just smile and said: ’Ok, it will put it off till next week.’Mirrors in the restroomsDisco Table footballConsiderate teachers School radioBuffetFootball team

Asked from teachers

Do you think it’s important for students to voice their opinions at school?

YesSometimes

Is it viewed as a high priority by senior management and staff?

YesNoNeitherStrongly Yes

Asked from teachers

Has student voice improved since you were at this school?If so how?

Is school a better experience for students than it was 20 years ago?

YesNo

YesNo

They can express their opinion and make decisions concerning school life

Students’ve become more cooperativeThey are able to run a school newspaper

and a school radio

Asked from teachers

Do you feel students are aware they can come and talk to you?

Do you prefer lessons where the students are free to express their ideas? Have you ever

used an idea?

YesNo

YesNo

Teaching foreign vocabulary in a game-like manner

At literature lesson we duscussed poems written by the students themselves

I changed the abbreviations I use when dictating

Games

Asked from parents

Is your child happy at school?

Are you happy with the teaching standards?

YesNoNeither

YesNoNeither

Asked from parents

Do you feel that parent a sufficently involved in the scool?

Can you suggest any changes?

YesNo

More programs involving parents and teachersBy organising programs in which teachers can all take

part inParents and teachers both should be more co-operative

Asked from parents

Does your child have a good relationship with teachers?

Would you send him/her to this school again?

YesNo

YesNo

Conclusion

As our presentation shows, Student Voice plays a considerable role in our school at present. However the conflicting assessment from students, teachers and parents shows clearly that we still have a lot to improve.

We would like to outline a few needs and expectations we students put together and that we would definitely like to come alive in the near future.We would like our school to provide us with:

a career advisora psychologistworkshops where we could learn about practical things such as taxation,

health system, insurance, mental hygiene, job hunting etc.student work advisortalent supportstudent-teacher café, a forum to talk informally with teachersetc. : )))

Conclusion