ERIC Number: EJ1486677
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-None
EISSN: EISSN-2560-7367
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Conceptualising an Inclusive Approach to Student Voice in Higher Education: A Heuristic Inquiry
Anastasia Kennett
International Journal for Students as Partners, v9 n2 p65-89 2025
Higher education seeks the student voice through various approaches. However, including students with diverse learner needs (DLN) in these approaches poses challenges when hierarchy is present. Through self-reflection and collaboration with co-researchers, I engaged in heuristic inquiry to develop a framework for engaging in an inclusive approach to gathering student voice. Nine co-researchers completed 14 individual conversational interviews with me to discuss their student voice experiences in higher education. Five key themes emerged: (1) needing a trauma-informed safe space to regulate emotions, (2) removing judgement through implementing trauma-informed practice, (3) embracing understanding and representation to enable authentic interaction, (4) removing fear by humanising those in positions of power, and (5) needing choice and autonomy. These themes demonstrated DLN students' desire to cease masking and become more autonomous and authentic in their experiences, thereby moving toward partnership approaches. Drawing on these themes, I present an inclusive student voice (ISV) approach and recommendations for practice.
Descriptors: Higher Education, Student Empowerment, Heuristics, Inclusion, Student Experience, Trauma, Trauma Informed Approach, Power Structure, Personal Autonomy, Student Diversity, Special Needs Students, Undergraduate Students, Interviews, Foreign Countries
McMaster University Library Press. McMaster University Library, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S $L6 Canada. e-mail: scom@mcmaster.ca; Web site: https://mulpress.mcmaster.ca/ijsap
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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