After completing their Listening Room, the students are asked to provide their views on the whole process using our debrief questionnaire. Based on the following questions, here’s a selection of the student feedback we’ve received during 2023/24:

What was it like participating in research via a conversation?

• It was very insightful, asides giving my own opinions or feedback, I was able to attend the same time hear another’s person’s view or take on the same issue.
• It felt a lot more natural and laid back compared to other research methods.
• Participating in research via conversation is an engaging and reflective experience where I shared my personal thoughts and experiences in a comfortable and informal setting.
• I felt like we could talk about more than we would in just like a questionnaire for example and we could expand on a hot hers points.
• It was probably the easiest way to be involved in research as it didn’t feel too forced so it allowed us to speak freely.

What was it like participating in research with a friend?

• I would say it was because at some point our feedbacks were similar, which showed we that despite the fact that we are in different departments and have never met each other before, our ideologies align and we both faced the same issues.
• Participating in research with a friend is typically more relaxed and enjoyable which allowed for open and candid discussions and felt easy to share thoughts and experiences.
• It was a wonderful experience, I mean she was a senior to me and we are the same course, it was nice to be aware of things which I didn’t know about.
• Well I did not participate with a friend but it was a good new experience talking to a stranger about same problems as me.
• I liked it, we shared our experiences and opinions. We have been on the journey together so it was nice to share our experiences and how it relates and differs.

What did you think about being asked to participate in research about your experience and feelings?

• I saw it as an avenue to voice out exactly how I feel, and I was glad to be a part of it.
• I think it was actually a nice way to let without my thoughts and emotions especially with regards to my program, it made me feel like I was lending my voice to a system try to create make the best of every opportunity they get.
• It is a good idea ,as we are able to express our selves and the researchers can evaluate certain things.
• It felt very inclusive and that I have an opinion to share.
• I was surprised to be asked to talk about my experience and feelings as I don’t really ever think that deep about things, but I guess I have got a very different background to most at uni.

What did you think to the use of the prompt cards and timer?

• The prompts were extremely helpful and the timer was a good endpoint.
• It was well detailed and we understood every word.
• We didn’t use the full hour but I didn’t feel under pressure at all, we revisited cards and cues we couldn’t originally answer and asked each other questions that weren’t on the prompts which was fun.
• I think these really helped the conversation to flow.

What did you think about the fact that there was no researcher in the room with you?

• This made the conversation much more organic and easier to talk.
• It was actually a nice feeling, it felt like I was giving a room to air out my opinions without the feeling of being judged or having to respond a certain way.
• That is to say is a transparent research and anonymous.
• The absence of a researcher in the room eliminated any perceived form of panic or tension to me which could have lead to bias. I felt at ease all through the session.

What was the best thing about the whole process?

• Personalised experience it didn’t feel like I was participating in a research. If felt very regular and normal.
• The idea that my opinions could influence a policy.
• As some of the questions involved us talking about success it made me realise how much I had achieved.
• The ease of getting involved, facilitator was very helpful and friendly throughout the whole process and always replied to emails quickly. Doing a listening room with a complete stranger was really interesting!
• Meeting someone else with an interesting story and similar experiences – it was eye opening and a good chance to meet interesting people.

What one thing do you think could be improved?

• Would be great if we can get feedback on the results of the research.
• As this is a new experience for me, I enjoyed it and cannot think of anything that can be improved right now.
• Where possible the listening room session could be done among more persons instead of one v one with a friend.
• I would have preferred to have been matched with someone that had more of a similar background to me however I understand that could have been impossible.

Anything else you’d like to add?

• The use of no cameras I feel helped us be honest and speak freely from the start.
• I would like to be updated with the outcome of the research, please.
• The moderator was helpful, and the discussions were interesting. I hope that the feedback are implemented.
• Thank you for the opportunity!

 

Last updated: 21st August 2024 NB