Voice Matters: How Can a School Listen to Student Voice in School Governance?

Abstract

This manuscript critically examines the role of student participation in the governance of educational institutions, with a particular focus on the current state of civic education in Hong Kong. The analysis brings to the fore the shortcomings and limited breadth of the existing curriculum programme, spotlighting the imperative need for reform. The manuscript underscores the significance of amplifying students' voices in decision-making processes, stressing the creation of platforms that encourage and facilitate their expression of opinions. The paper presents a suite of potential enhancements that schools could implement to bolster student involvement. These include liberalizing regulations, instituting student councils, and providing more avenues for direct student feedback. The global movement towards greater student agency is duly noted, acknowledging the challenges that schools still face in this transition. However, this paper posits that the active engagement of students in school governance serves as not only a tool for developing their future civic skills, but also an effective strategy for surmounting the obstacles inherent to civic education. In summary, this manuscript accentuates the crucial role of student voice in shaping civic education and cultivating a more inclusive school environment.