A Comprehensive Evaluation of Students’ Voice in the Facilitation of Learning at St. Paul University Manila’s Senior High School: Basis for a Student Voice Inclusion Model

In the realm of Philippine education, the status of student voice remains a subject of academic inquiry and policy discourses. The central goal of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the extent to which the voice of senior high school students at St. Paul University Manila is included in academic and non-academic decision-making processes of the school. The study collected pertinent data from A total of 164 respondents who participated in the survey, comprising 145 senior high school students, 7 full-time teachers, 8 support personnel, and 4 administrators. For the qualitative phase, 54 participants were involved in the interview process. This group included 35 SHS students, 7 full-time teachers, 8 support personnel, and 4 administrators., as their perspectives are integral to formulating an effective student voice inclusion model. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, specifically utilizing the exploratory sequential design. Surveys and interviews were used to gather data on the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders regarding student voice. The findings indicate that senior high school students, teachers, support personnel, and administrators recognize student voice as an essential element that fosters inclusion, connection, and impacts overall well-being. The study identifies various facilitators and challenges to student voice within the school community, with communication barriers being a significant obstacle. The proposed student voice inclusion model emphasizes creating dedicated spaces for student expression, promoting active student participation in class discussions, valuing and engaging with student ideas, and translating student feedback into tangible actions. The study provides recommendations, including organizing workshops, establishing a task force, implementing a structured feedback mechanism, creating a Student Voice Committee, and developing a formal policy to guide student voice inclusion. The findings and recommendations contribute to the understanding and implementation of student voice in educational settings, promoting inclusivity and empowerment.