Achievement rises when students are given a voiceIn many schools, keeping kids silent is a thing of the past. And from what studies show, the change is happening none too soon. According to many educators, giving students a voice in classroom decisions - such as suggesting themes and topics to study - and in school policies - such as homework regulations - makes schools less autocratic and more democratic.
According to researcher Susan Black, such schools tend to have fewer discipline problems, more civic involvement, higher student engagement, and higher achievement. In addition, schools that genuinely seek and appreciate students’ ideas are more likelyto see their school improvement plans succeed. Even so, the idea of giving students a voice in school matters still meets with skepticism and resistance. Black elaborates in the American School Board Journal.
Tags: Education, Teaching, Student Achievement, Student Engagement, Student Voice, K-12, Education by Sistrunk
7 comments:
If research was consulted more in running classrooms, I think the educational system would look completely different.
Jaimie, without a doubt, you have a tough juggling act. But it sounds as if you have it down to a science. Good for you!
Brea, you are right. No Child Left Behind, the federal education law, requires schools to incorporate more research-based techniques into classroom instruction. I've seen cases where schools have done just that. The end result: improved student achievement and fewer discipline problems.
It reminds me of my school years (not long ago, just 10 years ago), when even asking a question from a teacher was considered somewhat hostile, let alone an open discussion. I studied in a private, so called upper class school. I hear things are changing slowly and teachers dont act like a monster anymore.
Fahd, thanks for stopping by. I definitely understand what you are talking about. Yes, things are changing. The change is happening faster in some cultures than in others. Without question, there are many good educators. Teaching, I believe, is one of our most noble professions.
Your comment reminds me of a not-so-pleasant experience I had in elementary school. We students were grading our own math assignments. When the teacher gave the answer to one problem, she gave the wrong answer. Knowing this, I presumed she made a mistake.
After we completed the grading of papers, the teacher asked everyone who made a perfect grade to stand. I stood, intending to tell the teacher of the error. Before I could say anything, the teacher accused me of lying. I was humiliated before the class.
I tried to explain why I stood up. She shut me up and kept me after class. THEN she told me that she intentionally gave the wrong answer to the problem in question. She said she wanted to see how honest her students were.
In any case, I never understood what I was supposed to learn from that experience. As I recall, I don't think she ever provided an explanation of her actions to the entire class. But the experience terrified many of us.
This works in schools in the UK too.
When students are given a say in the way their schools are run then it makes them feel more valued, more responsive and more responsible too.
Jaimie, you're right. It was not a pleasant experience!
Brian, it is good to hear about how this works in the UK. Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you'll visit again.
student activism is encouraged in the university where i was from. and i have MANY friends who participate. so when i watch reports about them being caught by the police, i cant help but name faces.
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