Applying Solution Focused Approaches as a participatory method to amplify student voice in a Higher Education context.

This paper reports an evaluation of the application of participatory method Solution Focused Approaches (SFA) to develop student voice within a HE setting. The work of Seale (2010; 2015; 2016) and their call to ‘amplify’ student voice processes through the trialing of participatory methods was responded to. SFA was positioned as a participatory method that would allow for students to be treated as equal partners in student voice processes. The research evaluation gathered qualitative data through focus groups with staff (course leads) and student representatives (course reps). Thematic analysis was used to develop five themes; SFA is active and involved, relationships are important, student apathy and disengagement from feedback, course rep experience, and feedback systems. The research was instigated due to difficulties with meaningful collaboration that existed within student voice work and has proceeded to provide a potential solution to those problems. Outcomes are discussed in light of recommendations for further research and HE practice.