STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

In the past years many educational innovations have taken place in hig her education. A central tendency in these innovations is to base curr icula more on the educational needs of students. Student-centered educ ation attempts to optimize the learning process of students, i.e. the creation of a stimulating and active learning environment. A logical n ext step in placing students at the centre of their education is invol ving them in the quality control, organization and development of curr icula. In current medical literature barely any attention is paid to s tudent participation in educational organization. This article present s 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 giv en, including advantages and possible disadvantages of student involve ment. Implications for faculties wishing to incorporate students in th eir organization are discussed, as are action items for students wishi ng to improve their input.