Listening to experts by experience

In this article, Natspec’s Policy Officer, Kirsten Jones tells colleges have said they want from the staff who work with them. with being given enough time to respond.

They said when they are working in groups it is important to make sure all students are listened to and to remember that some students’ communication challenges mean they may communicate differently.

Respect that this was important to ensuring they are in the right environment and headspace to learn new skills.

Include

Tfindings of a piece of student led research undertaken by members of Natspec’s Student Voice Parliament who themselves have learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. They asked their fellow students questions about what makes a good tutor or support worker, what they need to develop their skills and how college is preparing them for their post-college lives.

The findings revealed that a valued student experience is one where students feel they are listened to, respected and included.

Listen

Students told the researchers that a good teacher or support worker is someone who listens to them and takes the time to get know them and understand their wants, needs and preferences.

They said it was important they are given enough time and support to understand what is being asked of them along

Staff in colleges, being friendly, patient and understanding is valued by students. They said that feeling respected in college helps them to develop the skills they will need in their post-college adult lives. e.g. confidence and self-advocacy.

The research revealed how students valued their opinions being sought and being involved in decision making, e.g. about their timetables, where they go for work experience or what they will do after college.

They also said it was important they were given clear explanations about changes that were made to their days. E.g. when there would be disruptions to their normal routines like when they would be working with new or different staff to usual.

Students highlighted the importance of respecting their sensory needs and how staff should avoid putting students in scenarios where they could feel overwhelmed. They said

Students said they thought their time in college was helping them to lead more included lives through teaching them to be more independent, learning to make choices and use technology, developing their confidence in decision making, planning for their future and accessing their wider communities. They said that being included in setting their own learning goals and assessing the progress they are making gave them ownership and increased their motivation.

Natspec’s Student Voice Parliament is open to all Natspec’s member colleges. The Parliament meets twice a year and colleges can attend either in person or online. Each Parliament is Chaired by members of the hosting college’s Student Council and the Parliament agenda is set by members of the Parliament. It is typically attended by around 150-200 students who attend specialist further education colleges across England and Wales. For more information visit Natspec.org.uk/services/ student-voice-parliament or contact Kirsten.Jones@ natspec.org.uk