Does Student Voice Matter in Chinese Context? A Case Study for Underprivileged Children

• In Event: Roundtable Session 18.
  In Roundtable Session: School Leadership Roundtable

Abstract

This study examines the issues surrounding ‘student voice’ in a specific Chinese context, and assesses the key elements of leadership that could enhance student voice in that context. It reports the results of a small-scale research conducted in a community-based educational centre for underprivileged children in Hong Kong. Analysis draws on several sources, including semi-structured interviews, observations and related documentation. Student voice is found to be important for children. However, teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards student voice are found to be different. Based on the data collected, the gaps between teachers’ and students’ perspectives of student voice are identified, and cultural perspectives are discussed. Implications for institutional leaders who seek to promote this concept are suggested.

Author

• Annie Y.N. Cheng, The Hong Kong Institute of Education