Student Voice Forum
The Student Voice Forum is a structured activity where students can share ideas and suggestions for class or school activities. In a guided discussion, participants present proposals, discuss them together, and vote on ideas that could be implemented. The method strengthens participation and shows students that their opinions matter, contributing to a democratic and supportive school culture.
Purpose
This activity gives students real opportunities to express ideas and influence school life. When students see that their suggestions are heard and sometimes implemented, they feel respected and valued. This strengthens their sense of responsibility, motivation, and engagement, and supports a school culture where participation and shared decision-making are encouraged.
Use and Learning Outcomes
- 1. Strengthens students’ feeling that their opinions matter in school.
- 2. Encourages active participation in shaping school culture.
- 3. Develops communication and argumentation skills.
- 4. Promotes responsibility and democratic decision-making.
- 5. Increases motivation and engagement in school activities.
Wellbeing References
Details & Preparation
Room Requirements
A classroom or meeting room with enough space for group discussion. Chairs should be arranged in a circle or semicircle to allow open conversation. A board or flipchart is needed to write down ideas and suggestions. No special technical equipment is required, but a projector or digital board can be helpful.
Time for preparation
10 minutes
Preparation
Tasks before the activity
• Prepare a flipchart or board for collecting ideas.
• Prepare small cards or sticky notes for students to write suggestions.
• Print or display discussion rules (respect, listening, equal opportunity to speak).
• Prepare a simple voting method (e.g., stickers or hand voting).
• The facilitator reviews the guidelines and prepares one example idea.
Materials needed
• Sticky notes or cards
• Pens or markers
• Flipchart / whiteboard / board
• Stickers or dots for voting
• Printed “Student Suggestion Card” handout
Principles for success
• All ideas should be treated with respect.
• Students should feel safe to express opinions.
• The facilitator should ensure balanced participation.
• Suggestions should be realistic and connected to school life.
Materials
• Sticky notes or suggestion cards
• Pens or markers
• Flipchart, whiteboard, or classroom board
• Voting stickers or dots
• Printed “Student Suggestion Card” handout
• Printed “Discussion Rules for Respectful Participation” handout
Sequence of Steps
Introduction
5 minutesSuggested introduction:
"In our school, everyone should have the opportunity to contribute ideas. Today we will collect suggestions for activities or improvements in our class or school. Your ideas are important and can help shape our school culture."
Basic discussion rules are briefly introduced: respect, listening, and allowing everyone to speak.
Collecting ideas
10 minutesStudents place their suggestions on the board or flipchart. The facilitator briefly reads the ideas aloud so everyone understands them.
Discussion of suggestions
20 minutesThe facilitator encourages constructive feedback and helps the group think about:
• Why the idea could be useful
• How it could be implemented
• What resources might be needed
This step helps students practice respectful discussion and collaborative decision-making.
Voting and decision-making
15 minutesThe ideas with the most support are selected for possible implementation. The group briefly discusses next steps and who could help organize the activity.
Reflection & Tips
Reflection
Short group reflection with questions such as:
• How did it feel to share your ideas?
• Did you feel that your opinion was heard?
• What idea are you most excited about?
• How can we work together to make these ideas happen?
Participants may also rate the experience using thumbs up / sideways / down.
Tips for Implementation
What the facilitator should pay attention to
• Ensure that all students have the chance to contribute.
• Encourage respectful dialogue and constructive feedback.
• Avoid judging ideas too quickly; focus on possibilities first.
Other possible uses
• Short version (15–20 minutes) to collect ideas for a specific event.
• Extended version where students form small project groups to develop selected ideas further.
• Can be used during class meetings, school councils, or project days.
Cross-references to other exercises
• Open & Support Circle (belonging and mutual support)
• Class Agreements Workshop (developing shared rules and values)
• Peer Project Teams (students organise and implement activities)
