Involved, Engaged and Constructive: Students as Change Agents Today

Go to class, take a seat, listen, do homework, take exams (and sometimes retake those exams). This is the normal academic life of a student, or it used to be. The desire for student engagement is on the increase and is a powerful demand: very often it is possible to see teenagers in action, whether they be organising strikes or participating in international conferences.

Teen activism is on the rise and is calling for the attention of society as a whole. Meanwhile, delivering student satisfaction is a key driver in determining government policy changes and as a result, educational institutions have a major responsibility when it comes to directing their students.

Conscious of this, the University of Manchester held the 2017 AUA Conference, where representatives of UK Universities discussed approaches towards improving students’ engagement. Since then, several universities in the country have adopted a programme called “Students as Change Agents”.

Image from https://www.studentengagement.ac.uk/

This article will argue that Students as Change Agents is a promising programme which involves students in delivering changes both within the academy and beyond.

What is “Students as Change Agents”?

Students as Change Agents is a new approach which perceives the students as powerful allies in making necessary changes both in the academic environment and in society at large. This method encourages students to think and be more active. In effect, it is a safe laboratory where they can create and innovate and thus be the change they demand to see.

Author:

Eduarda Moreira Nascimento

Article Writer & Content Contributor

March 17, 2020

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this article/publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of GiLE or its members.

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Skills and requirements:

> demonstrable experience in academic writing and reviewing at scholarly publications;

> excellent time-management skills

> able to give constructive feedback

> ability to meet the time demands of the position is required

> English language skills: Proficiency.

Qualifications: Phd or DLA or demonstrable experience in research.

Time Commitment: The hours for this role vary, the Contributor can provide (a minimum of four (4) hours per week on average.

Associate Editor:

The role consists of:

> The Associate Editor generally supports the Editor-in-Chief with maintaining high standards and improving the ranking, indexation and status of the journal.

> Ensuring the appropriate implementation of all the policies and guidelines of the journal. This includes maintaining a culture of fairness, objectivity, honesty and transparency, among all staff, volunteers and submitting authors;

> Ensuring that all publications are in line with the journal’s scope and aims of the journal.

> Regularly liaising with the Editorial Board, as the primary contact person, and being sufficiently responsive to their offered advice and recommendations;

> Assisting the Editor-in-Chief with revising the roles and responsibilities for all editors, members of the Editorial Board, advisors, reviewers, proof-readers and research associates;

> Presenting the reviewed manuscripts to the Editorial Board for recommendation for selection;

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> Ensuring that there is no conflicts of interest between the authors, editors and reviewers;

> Promoting the journal and encouraging colleagues/students to submit high-quality articles;

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> Assistance with finding indexing platforms in collaboration with the Advisory Board;

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Location: remote.

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> several years of editorial reviewing or writing experience

> access to a broad network of experts working in the field

> excellent interpersonal and communication skills

> ability to meet the time demands of the position

> familiarity with the APA, Harvard, Chicago, or similar style guides

> English language skills: A1 – A2 level or Proficiency.

Qualifications: Phd or DLA and demonstrable experience in research and academia.

Time Commitment: The hours for this role vary, the Contributor can provide (a minimum of five (5) hours per week on average.

Editorial Board Member

The role consists of:

› Serving as ambassadors for the journal;

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› Offering expertise in their specialist area, and review relevant manuscript when necessary;

› Supporting Fundraising, finding companies who could advertise – to monetize the journal;

› Ensuring the appropriate implementation of all the policies and guidelines of the journal.

Location: remote.

Skills and requirements:

> solid experience in academia and research

> access to a broad network of experts working in the field

> extensive authoring experience in prominent, peer-reviewed scholarly journals

> a proven record of accomplishment for publishing and editing

> English language skills: Proficiency (or native).

Qualifications: Professionals with academic credentials in the journal’s field

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Advisory Board Member

The role consists of:

› The Advisory Board members are highly experienced professionals or researchers in fields that pertains to 21^stcentury skills development;

› Recommending specific research areas or themes for the journal that match the needs of employers and industry;

› Supporting the journal and its Editorial Board by guiding and sharing the best practices, experiences and ideas;

› Giving advice on the research relevancy of sectoral research needs, as well as identifying dissemination networks and platforms to reach a wider readership;

› Identifying avenues for research collaboration

› Assisting with finding companies who could advertise – to monetize the journal;

› Making suggestions for and approaching potential contributors, to attract article submissions, and encourage colleagues and students to submit their work;

› Can assist generate engagement online with our target community.

Location: remote.

Skills and requirements:

> solid experience in academic writing

> significant networking skills

> English language skills: a thorough knowledge of the English language

Qualifications: Professionals or academics active in the journal’s field.

Time Commitment: The hours for this role vary. Minimum four (4) hours per week on average.