Finding Student Voice: Because school is about them, not us

Personalized learning to improve student engagement

Though all educators are quick to tell you that schools are about children and meeting their needs, the level of disengagement among kids paints a much bleaker picture. In fact, most students do not describe their schools and classrooms as “child-centered.” The good news is that we are getting better at it. We are learning and growing as an industry and don’t let anyway tell you that schools are not more engaging than they used to be. We’ve come a long way in the past 20 years in giving more learning over to students and providing more time for students to engage with each other. These are good steps for a community of educators that is evolving in positive ways.

Another key shift that must occur if we believe in student-centered schools is the idea of intentionally and purposely encouraging the development of student voice. By “voice,” I mean each student exploring their purpose, culture, beliefs and dreams and (from a skills perspective) refining their abilities to reflect, contemplate, comment, articulate, and persuade in mature and meta-cognitive ways.

Storytelling and student narrative: Yes, even in our math and science classrooms

The point has been made in previous blog posts that schools should not (and cannot) exist only to help students meet state standards and this post (and future ones) will continue to make that case. Our mission is larger than that. So as not to overwhelm us, I am not suggesting that we add more things to our plates. I am simply suggesting that we help students master standards through activities that would simultaneously help them to explore and understand their communities, their current life circumstances and ponder and plan for a future that is unique to each one of them.

In short, schools can and should be about facilitating lessons, discussions, storytelling and personal narratives that help students find voice and place in a chaotic, world community. We might ask questions like: How can our school help you become the best you that you can be? In turn, how can we use English, Math, Science, Social Studies and elective subjects to help you get there? There are already many successful teachers and leaders who are pushing the boundaries of this work.

One way to join them is to create lessons that center around the study of people and principles and less around dates, facts, figures and terms. Another way is to center our lessons around the kids sitting in front of us and not around a canned curriculum (and mindset) that expects kids to adapt to what we appreciate and value in spite of their personal interests…all the while complaining that those darn kids should be more engaged.