student voice questionnaire miskolc, hungary 2009
TRANSCRIPT
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