Involved, Engaged and Constructive: Students as Change Agents Today

There are many areas where students can work within the programme. At the University of Nottingham, for example, students can choose areas that range from Learning for Employability to Sustainable Practices in the University. At the same university, on both its UK and its China campuses, students have developed online resources with the objective of helping foreign students adapt to the learning environment of the host country. The agents have also influenced curriculum restructuring within the School of Biosciences.

How does it work?

This model works on the basis of a multi-disciplinary environment – one including external partners – which offers opportunities for real-life experiences. The methodology is simple: the universities issues open calls for the various topics to be discussed and the students can take part in those calls, and the objectives, published target, and other important data are all specified. When a group has formed, it is the time for the “real work”, when they can start discussions and planning for the actions within the designated objective, a process which can also be extended. The role played by each student will vary from project to project: they can be the project leader, or they can work collaboratively with the staff delivering it, as partners.

What are the benefits?

The benefits from it are extensive. From students’ side, by working with real problems, they get to develop practical skills, such as critical thinking and project management skills; moreover, by working in an interdisciplinary environment, they get to develop their soft skills, ranging from communication to conflict resolution, leadership, problem solving, and team work skills. In addition, from the university’s, employers’ and wider society’s perspective, we all benefit from the projects developed by the students.

To conclude, the Students as Change Agents programme, or indeed any programme with the same purposes, crucially perceives youth as allies. This cooperation can be the key to a brighter future.