#StuVoice Archive
"In May 2012, students around the world formed Student Voice with the creation of the #StuVoice Twitter chats. Soon, presidential candidates, the Secretary of Education, Fortune 100 companies, education corporations, reporters, teachers, parents and community members joined the conversation to discuss ways to make the the education system beneficial for all involved." --www.stuvoice.org/
Monday April 4, 2016
It's time for tonight's chat with on building student voice thru ownership in the classroom. Introduce yourselves!
Good Evening - RJ Webber from SE MI
Daniel Kao here, spent 2 hours today learning about frameworks for metacognitive skills.
Charles Willis, History Teacher at Revere High, MA.
Michael Crawford. Metro Detroit. PhD candidate in educational psychology. CAO at .
Max R coming to you live from DC!
Hi all! Zak joining from . Writing my senior thesis now!
Hi, Andrew here! Currently traveling the country hearing directly from students in every corner of america on issues like these.
Andrew and Zak in the building?!
Matt, elem lead learner from IL joining
Q1: From day one, how can teachers demonstrate to students that their voice is valued?
Hey : I bet you have a good response for this one! https://t.co/BRQBR3Woe9
Q1: From day one, how can teachers demonstrate to students that their voice is valued?
You missed my hello! Of course :)
“lead learner”, what a wonderful way to think about it.
Emily- - Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership
A1: Teachers can demonstrate the value of students by engaging them as co-designers, not just co-conspirators!
agreed, we need to model the commitment to learning
Todd West from Deer Isle-Stonington
Naima! Joining after a looooong time. Currently pursuing the fellowship in Canada.
A1: Solicit input/feedback from students and demonstrate a clear response that students recognize.
It takes some incredible trust on both the student side and teacher side to reach the ideal equilibrium of in the classroom.
- I'm Andrew, - student, occasional writer, sometimes critic, certainly out of my league - (:
ask students why they are here and what they want to learn.
Hey of : the chat tonight is right up your alley!
A1) giving each student a chance to say something and using back channel,everyone can say something without feeling judged
A1 Critical to model ex of student voice from previous students, showing examples of what is possible - writing, podcasts, vid)
A1-building relationships and learning about S interests and passions that can be included in the curriculum
A1: Opening a dialogue with students about their experiences in the classroom and getting input on how to make it successful
Next gallery is -looking for interested Ts & . Invite will come out soon.
great point, shows it is how things are done and not just something new
Relationship building is key, I write Ss a letter of introduction that they in turn respond to https://t.co/7I2jtu7TSm
A1: Simple. By building trust. By listening, and listening deeply.
Getting kids OUT of the classroom doing field science: projects they design themselves
A1: teachers can be truly passionate about the subjects that they teach and inspire
Q2: What small choices do you, as a student, make or as a teacher allow students to make in everyday learning?
A1 - dialogue > monologue
Important for Ts to remember that it's not just about turning over the class to students. Partnership and co-ownership is key
A1: making an effort to disable or disintegrate the expectations Ss bring into the environment, offering the chance for an alt
Agreed, making sure that ALL Ss voices are heard and valued, not just the quickest or loudest
not following what this question is getting at, rephrase?
very cool idea and a great way to start the year
A2 Choice it self has to be a consideration in every lesson - different learners = different ways to learn
My favorite teacher was the one that didn't make us have to ASK to use the restroom. Treated us like people not prisoners.
A2: Choosing to think critically about every fact I am presented with
A2-we are planning to launch an innovation hour next year driven by S passions for learning multiple times each week
Such an important point. In many scenarios Ss with everything get more and the marginalize stay that way https://t.co/n06BAktaGu
Agreed, making sure that ALL Ss voices are heard and valued, not just the quickest or loudest
A2) not participating in every class and adding to the discussion being held
A2: Prioritization is a big choice (e.g. extracurriculars v homework or sleep v study).
Give students a period of time during class that's theirs. I've heard this referred to as POWER?
Your have wonderful & always are contributors 2 my galleries, Margaret thanks to you.
Rephrase of Q2, how can Ts give students choice in their learning
great to offer ownership of learning to Ss by giving a choice of media to engage with
Students should have opportunities at all points in the learning process to choose, navigate, or negotiate their cirumstances
Hello! We're - working to connect educators, students, fac/staff, and entrepreneurs!
Teachers embracing must be willing to give up some power. But Students should remember that the privilege must be taken seriously
Also, . Is that the same, in your eyes?
. a critical component of the PBL work done by
Bam!! https://t.co/nz5gQrGyBo
Students should have opportunities at all points in the learning process to choose, navigate, or negotiate their cirumstances
if the learning process is collaborative inquiry by all involved should positional power even be a consideration
A1: Allowing them to make decisions regarding the learning process. Ownership in what and how they learn. https://t.co/6Ng2BenrXi
Q1: From day one, how can teachers demonstrate to students that their voice is valued?
A2 - My value & identity (as student) not designated by teachers or institutions... but me
Ts sometimes think choice means letter Ss do whatever they want, it's about valuing their input
If you view as a non-necessary luxury you have already lost. in the classroom is essential.
If you view as a non-necessary luxury you have already lost. in the classroom is essential.
Wonderful! Allowing Ss to explore multiple ways to present is a great way to demonstrate
And, at the very, least...partnership in creating this environment.
And remember how uncomfortable that power just may be... but that discomfort may just be LEARNING. https://t.co/HsDcC8Elfd
Teachers embracing must be willing to give up some power. But Students should remember that the privilege must be taken seriously
Q3: What's the ideal balance between student choice vs teacher control, and how can schools achieve it?
A2: Here's an example of an assessment that allows Ss a choice in the type of project they create https://t.co/Im3JppGYGy
That Ts think that is sad & true. It's abt valuing input by manifesting that input. Can't just be a nod and a smile
Allow for inquiry. Build content together, whenever possible
had that very convo today; such a balance between honoring & challenging them to grow
A3: Not an easy question. One of those things where you know it when you see it?
do the two have to be mutually exclusive?
Faux is created FOR students rather than BY students. Seen several BIG school districts lately engaging in this malpractice.
Agreed, it's a tough questsion, but one I get often when leading PD. Ts need tools to help build in their classes
Yeah, I'm struggling to answer this one too. You should seek out a classroom like this on your tour.
Q3: I think the answer varies. S & T dialogue is the crucial foundation that determines the answer.
True student integration looks like students on textbook and curriculum review committees.
A3: response depends often on who's doing the responding. Administrator? T control > S choice. ? S choice > T control
All we need to do is look at the history of student governments to recognize this systemic malpractice.
A3-I think it has to all be framed around the individual group and their collective culture
Oh, I like this. What tools do you see as being most effective? What is needed that is missing?
I wouldn't say they are exclusive at all, but a necessary balance in a classroom
A3 The teachers I have seen that do this best, provide high quality learning opportunities that contain onramps for StuChoice
A3: in HS I had "open work time"- we had a list of tasks but it was up to us to ensure when/how they were completed.
exactly. I think it should be relatively easy to have both when a teacher sees themselves as a student themselves.
A3 - But are & teacher control necessarily in opposition. Could well-used control be faciliating a space for ?
A3 - But are & teacher control necessarily in opposition. Could well-used control be faciliating a space for ?
great description of the process
An understanding that both can contribute to the overall environment.
Not just on these committees...also as partners in decision making. Oftentimes sit on committees with no formal voice.
The way you know you're doing wrong is if you're discussing it in a staff meeting with no students present!
Q3: Probably no single answer- depends on student readiness and task at hand. [1/2]
Also, as bell hooks reminds us, there is no one way to teach. there is no "perfect" way to teach. so there's no perfect answer
T control and are not in opposition rather in constant flux depending on individual S needs or class needs
The hard work of engaging students as partners isn't achieved overnight. Often, you'll have to go out of your way.
in the classroom also comes with a responsibility on the side of the student.
in the classroom also comes with a responsibility on the side of the student.
It is our role as T/facilitator to model that responsibility to our Ss and give supports when needed
Q4: What skills are most important to develop to get students to take more ownership of their education?
A4: Collaboration, Leadership, Ownership, Productivity, Preparedness, Respect
A4 Curiosity Curiosity Curiosity
Critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills are critical. It's real world stuff.
A4: Ss consistently reflect in class on their progress in developing their Habits of Work to build their https://t.co/XSiGAB37dK
A4: for adults, the 'getting-out-of-the-way-and-not-always-assuming-adults-know-best-or-better-or-all-every-time-always' skill
Students are confronted with overcoming a decade of learned helplessness when it comes to meaningful engagement in the classroom.
love this - how might include in spaces from school boards to businesses?
creativity, curiosity, responsibility, communication
Teachers should provide students the chance to think critically about school not just once but repeatedly.
A4: Encourage and foster creating rather than consuming information.
A4- when working w. students w. low sense of efficacy, helping them believe they have a voice in their learning is a key skill
that being said, not limiting to those who can articulate themselves the "best". creating a safer space for all to speak
that being said, not limiting to those who can articulate themselves the "best". creating a safer space for all to speak
Oh we have lot's of ideas on this front ;)
The new competencies--critical thinking and problem solving that encourage questioning and creativity
...invite them? Invite them and respect them. Don't patronize or coddle them. Include and challenge them
Q5: How can students take these skills beyond the classroom?
Ask Ss to question progress in 4 stages of unit, keeps them questioning why we are doing this https://t.co/t3p92HPi2T
A3: Cant happen if we view Ts as powerful and Ss as powerless. shouldn't be viewed as a loss of Ts power. https://t.co/cfZhhMdwZv
Q3: What's the ideal balance between student choice vs teacher control, and how can schools achieve it?
A4: Help students build THEIR personal learning network, personal cyberinfrastructure.
Yes. Although, let's follow Montgomery County, MD's model & give students voting rights on Board.
and listen to them! what you think is important may not be what they think is.
A5) students can join clubs and get their opinions out there as well as build leadership skills
A4 self-awareness; self-regulation
Real in school is civic engagement in real world. Why must students wait to graduate to be heard?
Teacher and student relationship should be mutually beneficial
Absolutely. is a beautiful example of real youth governance cc
A4: experiential learning, learning beyond the building. practicing & taking responsibility in their community
Tune in now to 's Education Matters with to watch talk ed policy from a Student's perspective!
A5: A PLN or a personal cyber infrastructure extends beyond the classroom; a resource that transcends courses and progs.
A5: At RHS we encourage Ss to participate in dual-enrollment, internships and other ELO opportunities
Listen AND work w/ them to infuse youth contributions w/ the actions/agendas of the group
I mean, we hear it again and again. The most powerful, engaging experiences happen after the bell rings
and follow up! do not do a one off consultation. sustainability, commitment is key.
A3) step 1: empathy. Step 2: yes and them... Go with anything. Step 3: repeat. FTW.
Yes. Love this. The dieting approach to is likely to be as successful as the dieting approach to health https://t.co/K43sqj5kdy
and follow up! do not do a one off consultation. sustainability, commitment is key.
Just like in classrooms, it needs to be a sustained voice throughout the school community
revolutionary if we started seeing Ss as fully "human" and not an divided in "academic/extracurricular/community"
Thanks to everyone who joined tonight's chat, especially . See you next week!
"I found out about the via social media..which I think you'll find common" ~
The earlier our Ss invest in their community; the greater the likelihood they take ownership
breaking down "inside vs outside" the classroom. transferring skills, experience. thinking of learning as a career
Thanks everyone for your insight into tonight and for having me!
Discussion with Ss about having a growth mindset and becoming life long learners
Students on the are from all over the state. A truly representative group.
So far, has been the only adult voice in this Education Matters show. What a coup!
Wonderful twitter chat with - we must keep asking how to create spaces for student empowerment! Starts here. Thanks!
hits the nail on the head. True student engagement requires a "paradigm shift"
some revolutionary language there Drew! I like it. :)
seems blown away by the grace and eloquence of these high school students. Go !
Students in Kentucky are confronting and breaking down norms.
Loved the chat tonight. If you're not a part of it, you're wrong. This is voice, empowerment, agency in action folks.
Q5: get the kids outside of the classroom and doing hands-on experiential education like
Did I hear that right? 's school didn't even have a student council??
Thanks! I couldn't agree more.
A3 We use or Ss collab on something fun, share work evaluate and get input,
