About
The Listening Rooms Project comprises of two innovative and complementary methods, Listening Rooms (data collection) and Round Table Analysis (data analysis), which share key values and are used to enable change and enhance experiences at Sheffield Hallam University and beyond.
Listening Rooms captures real conversations between friends, who take part in conversation around six themes. By removing the researcher from the room, the project creates a safe space for friends to have open, honest and uncensored discussions about their experiences and removes researcher bias. Round Table Analysis identifies stakeholders with the ability to affect change and is used to analyse Listening Room data. The approach empowers contributors to take ownership of data and use it to inform decision making.
Two ‘listening pods‘ have been purchased and installed on campus, demonstrating Sheffield Hallam’s commitment to collaboration with our students and staff. Any aspect of the student or staff experience can be explored using this method.
We have applied this method at all levels of experience internally, from course changes to strategic university initiatives. We are also working with other Higher Education providers and other sectors to embed Listening Rooms as a key mechanism for change.