Transformative approaches to student voice: theoretical underpinnings, recalcitrant realities

TLDR

The notion of student voice is framed within two primary categories. The article investigates the theoretical foundations of radical student voice approaches and practical challenges to achieving a transformative future. The authors analyze two strands: deconstructing current presumptions about student voice and advocating a dialogic alternative that positions students as co‑researchers. They identify key problems—speaking about, speaking for, and getting heard—while also noting hopeful opportunities for future practice.

Abstract

This article explores some of the theoretical underpinnings of radical approaches to student voice and examines a number of practical issues we need to address if we wish to move towards a more transformative future. The framework within which the notion of voice is explored and critiqued falls primarily into two categories. The first, Deconstructing the presumptions of the present, explores the largely ignored problematic of much student voice work . (1) ‘Problems of speaking about others’, (2) ‘Problems of speaking for others’, and problems of (3) ‘Getting heard’ reveal a range of issues that need to be better understood and acknowledged. The second, On the necessity of dialogue , attempts a resolution, exploring the possibility of (4) ‘Speaking about/for others in supportive ways’ before offering the preferred (5) ‘Dialogic alternative: speaking with rather than for’ and further developing that line of enquiry through (6) ‘Students as co/researchers’. Finally, (7) ‘Recalcitrant realities, new opportunities’ offers some ambivalent, but still hopeful thoughts about current realities and future possibilities.