Student participation in educational management and organization

Abstract

In the past years many educational innovations have taken place in higher education. A central tendency in these innovations is to base curricula more on the educational needs of students. Student-centered education attempts to optimize the learning process of students, i.e. the creation of a stimulating and active learning environment. A logical next step in placing students at the centre of their education is involving them in the quality control, organization and development of curricula. In current medical literature barely any attention is paid to student participation in educational organization. This article presents an example of student involvement in the educational organization of the Medical School at the University of Maastricht. Opportunities for student participation in curriculum planning and organization are given, including advantages and possible disadvantages of student involvement. Implications for faculties wishing to incorporate students in their organization are discussed, as are action items for students wishing to improve their input.