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 Teachers Parents

Asked from everybody Do you think there is anything the school could improve? Students More people in the school council representative Teachers should be easy-going Change people in the influental posts Teachers should listen to the problems of students and help to solve them Give bigger power to the TAB team members Organize meetings where students can tell their ideas,suggestions for improvements Longer lunchbreak Students 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?

Asked from everybody Do you think there is anything the school could improve? TeachersParents Informing parents Organising programs Better attitude towards students Taking opinions more seriously Classes held in smaller groups By students having the courage to tell their teachers their opinions By teachers paying more attention to students and their problems Students should be more critical of their own behaviour By organizing programs for students (more school trips,etc.) More cooperative teachers are needed who value the inner characters of students We 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?

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?

Asked from students Through these groups including students are you aware of any changes that have been achived?

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 attitude Benches 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 restrooms Disco Table football Considerate teachers School radio Buffet Football team

Asked from teachers Do you think it’s important for students to voice their opinions at school? Is it viewed as a high priority by senior management and staff?

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? They can express their opinion and make decisions concerning school life Students’ve become more cooperative They 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? 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?

Asked from parents Do you feel that parent a sufficently involved in the scool? Can you suggest any changes? More programs involving parents and teachers By organising programs in which teachers can all take part in Parents 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?

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 advisor a psychologist workshops where we could learn about practical things such as taxation, health system, insurance, mental hygiene, job hunting etc. student work advisor talent support student-teacher café, a forum to talk informally with teachers etc. : )))

Conclusion