Does the student have the right to express an opinion on changing the curriculum?
The student is not entitled to do so
. But it is possible to express an opinion on the teaching method
I am strongly in favour of students' capacity to object to changes in a curriculum or advise on additions, especially at post-graduate level. Fresh ideas are always welcome. Many university courses tail thinking rather then reflect prevailing ideas in their disciplines and could do with refreshing.
Yes, they are also the stake holder, and they must have their say in changing the curriculum.
Curriculum may be altered as per global update of knowledge by eminent academicians strictly for the betterment of society; students are not generally empowered for opinion in curriculum change as undergoing in learning of subject
Students must be consulted as part of curriculum development but they must not be key decision makers at undergraduate level. At Graduate and PhD level they can be involved as key decision makers in the process of curriculum development.
The student is not entitled to do so
. But it is possible to express an opinion on the teaching method
In some cases where is the current project seems not given acceptable or logical data, and then the students have all the right to demonstrate their ideas so that supervisors can resolve any obstacles facing and preventing their progress.
Yes they do...as to whether such will be taken is another matter. Most important contribution students could make affect delivery and assessment approaches / design; which often are either not changed nor customised for the type of cohort of learners one has - contrary to strategies of teaching.
This is an interesting yet broad question.
In some cases it happens directly.
In other cases it may happen indirectly (if the student fails, then something should change, right?)
In short, IT DEPENDS!
In my opinion the student does have right on changing the curriculum; moreover the student has right to change the professor-consultant of his scientific work.
But some Institutions regretfully have regulations prohibiting such things
Ideas from the students should be welcomed. However, I think, it would be very tough to implement practically.
How can apprentice dictate how he or she should be trained. Students might not be in the right frame of mind to contribute or change the content of curriculum
In preparation of curriculum for undergraduate programs we invite a group of studens to attend the discussion and participate in modification and confirm the curriculum. Also in preparation of Master and PhD programs we invite the graduate to attend discussions and put any observations and any modification before decision.
The student does't have the right to changehave the curriculum but have the right to ask for any changes .
Sure, students are the main entities, in case we are to bring any changes to curriculum .
Dear Saif, dear all,
Without students, schools at any level would not make any sense. So, students are the main entities of schools, colleges and universities. As such, they have a right to express their voice or opinion regarding both what is taught or the curriculum and how it is taught (Pedagogy). This is particularly applicable in the preparation of Master and PhD programs. A caveat is in order at this point. Students' right to have a voice in terms of curricula and teaching metods should not be made at the cost of a less rigorous curriculum and teaching. I know of some cases where changes in the curriculum and in how it is taught were performed to please students and get good evaluations from them and the end of semesters or the year. So, caution should be taken such that students' voice does not lead to students entertainment at the expense of, say, a rigorous teaching. Changes in the curriculum and in how it is taught due to students' voice do not mean necessarily a better teaching. Pollitically correct responses to a given state of affairs have generally detrimental effects on the respective state of affairs.
Kind regards,
Orlando
The undergraduate students may not have the experience, the knowledge and vision to establish and plan specialized courses but they can give their feedback during and after attending the courses. This feedback must be considered to enhance the topics and the delivery of the courses.
In case of post graduate courses where the courses are driven by the research plans in the institution, the students can be consulted to give their opinion in the study plan and specifications of the courses. Of course they can give their feed back to enhance the curriculum.
Considering the feedback of the students is very required for continuously enhancing the content and delivery methods of the courses.
Best wishes
Whether students should have the right to change the curriculum is a complex question with several possible answers:
- when the students are working professionals with knowledge of the field they are educated in, this is easy.
- when students are actually working (like in trainee ship) in the profession, they could be considered a real partner - especially in finding the subjects they struggle with in real life. But a curriculum is more than just preparing students for their next day of work.
- when not the above: most full time students have little to no understanding of how they learn, what they should learn and what other options there are for the same learning challenges. On the other hand, they should be treated like the grown up sensible person they are (or are becoming). If you treat them like cattle, they will behave like cattle. If you treat them like kings, they will treat you like servants.
My advice is based on the work of Daniel Pink, where the 3 main motivational factors are: purpose, mastery and autonomy. Tell them for each part of the curriculum why it is there, what it's purpose is. Let them experience that they need practice/knowledge/... to master this. Let them experience that they are actually getting better at it by giving them exercises. Give them autonomy in how to prepare classes, reward the ones that do prepare. Take them seriously: let them advice about how to do the next installment. Do not read books to them they could have studied themselves.
Students views may be taken before finalising the curriculum. At the UG they may not be mature enough to take a decision. It is always good to get student envolvement in any major curriculum design changes. There should be flexility for the students to choose the subjects and area of specialisation. In India we talk about CBCS- Choice Based Credit System where students have full freedom to select subjects across disciplines to suit his requirements, taste and talent.
Usually, the programmes are designed based on the needs provided from the society. While designing the program, highly qualified experts are involved. So at the initial stage, the learner's can not be involved because they dont have the knowledge of that subject. But after the implementation for a whole batch, we could gather the feedback from the learner's about the curriculum, and can do the necessary changes. We have done such kind of things where ever the evaluation stidies are carried out.
In our scenario the Higher Education Commission invites faculty related to the field from various universities and develop curriculum. This serves as a guideline. Then we have students and Alumni Feed back which helps in refining curriculum. Now we are moving to IR 4.0 in Education
Feedback on curriculum can be obtained at the end of the semester/year/whole programme. This is policy decision and on the length /nature of the programme.
I am always open to hearing different opinions, as I can always learn from others myself. Although, if I know what they are asking may be more cumbersome, to timely or outside of what my current curriculum's design's purpose is, such as for addressing SLO's, I usually say something like, "thank you for your ideas," and I'll consider them. This does mean at some point I will have to come back with whether it is possible or not.
An example with how to handle assignments: Students wanted to use Google Docs for team work and that I should link it to Canvas. I am totally against using Google Docs as it is way to easy to acquire a virus or bot, etc., from Google, which could cause all of us to be infected and to lose data. So, this would be a "no" answer easily, along with an explanation about this. But, if they want to go out to Google with their team to do work, but I won't be linking it to Canvas, and I won't be accepting any Google docs, only MS are allowed in my classes.
Hope my experiences are helpful to you.
Bests, Alison
The students are the ones most effected by it. For retention reasons alone, their opinion should at least be sought.
certainly they do. Before developing any syllabus for language teaching, some educational objectives should be determined regarding all the stakeholders . therefore, materials designers and curriculum developers should involve these stakeholders’ views in planning and implementing the instructional programs.
Our system of education, unfortunately, does not allow the students to participate in changing the curriculum. They may give some observations about it, but generally only authorized committees have their say in changing, revising or moderating the curriculum.
Not always the students have the right to express an opinion on changing the curriculum.
They have the right to express their views with certainty, but there are those who decide whether or not this view is valid
Yes, students can express their opinion of the curriculum at the end of the semester in the case of university students because they have the ability to identify things that do not serve their specialty and does not suit their academic stages.
I always did this even with undergraduate students but the most benefits will be back to the newest students in the next year.
Sure. In the evaluation studies , we collect formal feedback from the learners. That is very useful.
I would say YES if the curriculum is at the tertiary level especially final year studies at the Graduate and Post Graduate Degree Programs.
I would consider students' views and ideas. I think it brings reflection from their perspective widening the possibilities for those who make the final decision. By saying that, I do not consider them having the final decision.
If the education system works student (learner) centerd then curriculum changes should be done on their feedbacks.
Yes, they ought to.
They are part of the inputs to any curriculum change process, alongside emloyers, and govermnent human capital future needs.
Largely students would influence especially the teaching, learning and assessment system / approach followed, form their point of view not realised by developers. their input actually improves the delivery part of the change, resulting in a fit for purpose curriculum.
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