Student perceptions of decision making in A.C.T. high schools

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to survey students in Australian Capital Territory High Schools regarding their perceptions of who makes and who should make decisions in their schools, the effectiveness of present decision making structures and the relative importance of a range of concerns that might be affected by decisions made in their schools.
The survey instrument comprising of five separate questionnaires (Parts A, B, C, D and E) was administered to a random, stratified sample of 384 students drawn from three A.C.T. High Schools. Variables included (a) School, (b) Year Group and (c) Gender.
Part A and Part B of the survey instrument were developed specifically to explore the perception of students towards the involvement of parents, teachers, the principal and students in school decision making processes; particularly as this is evidenced in School Board operations.
The results for each of the five questionnaires were compiled into separate frequency and ranked percentage tables. The tables were analysed in terms of the total responses recorded for each questionnaire and as a school by school comparison of responses. Use of the Cochran Q Test indicated a positive statistical significance in the overall shift of student perceptions of decision making from Part A (What happens in my school) to Part B (What should happen in my school) of the survey instrument.
The findings of the study indicate that students are concerned about their role in the decision making process, and issues that affect their schooling and would like a greater say in how their schools are run. In particular, students would like to participate to a greater degree than at present in decision making that affects homework, the timetable, how teachers teach, subjects offered, text books, and school sporting activities.
As regards knowledge about decision making structures within the school and about student representatives, the findings indicate that the students surveyed are not fully aware of the purpose or function of the school board or its representatives. However the majority of students surveyed indicate they would like to have a greater say in how their schools are run.
In the comparative analysis of data recorded for each of the schools surveyed, a considerable degree of similarity is found in the responses to all Parts of the survey instrument. Of major concern is the uniform lack of knowledge and interest in survey items connected with the School Board in each of the schools surveyed. A more encouraging result is that in all three schools respondents perceive that they are encouraged to become involved in the School Board and the Student Representative Council (SRC).
The survey findings demonstrate that the students would like greater participation in a wide variety of issues and concerns. However current official structures which are designed to include students as egual partners in school based decision making do not appear to interest the majority of students surveyed in this study.

Date of Award	1990
Original language	English
Supervisor	Lawrie Kendall (Supervisor)