Students - A Vital Agent and Voice Towards Curriculum Transformation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to highlight the indispensability of students in effective and efficient curriculum transformation towards academic and professional emancipation. Students are the pivotal agent for curriculum transformation to enable efficient and effective development of inclusive curriculum for educational and intellectual propagation. However, students enrolling into the higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa come from different diverse backgrounds with regards to their prior education, language, economic, social as well as cultural backgrounds. Therefore, in order for the students to navigate around the hurdles towards achieving success in the higher education institutions, there is every need for students to have a voice in curriculum transformation. Qualitative research method was employed using purposive sampling techniques to identify post graduate students within the higher institution. The study data was analysed using thematic analysis and findings shows that active students’ participation in curriculum transformation and in educational process enhances their learning experiences with improved pedagogy and contribute to the implementation of curricula that meets students’ needs and interests, relevance, inclusiveness, as well as engaging. The study recommends that higher educational institutions should embrace student voice and agency as a fundamental principle in curriculum transformation.