Student Voice: Learner Teacher, Teacher LearnerBringing the Student Voice into the classroom

Using the Student Voice to contribute to personalising the learning journey:

What do we all do already to involve students’ views and opinions in our own classrooms?

• Negotiated Learning Objectives• Negotiated topics for research projects• Questionnaires/discussions on what interests and motivates students• Forming good relationships through our role as Form Tutor/Teacher• Mentoring groups or individuals to encourage a learning dialogue• Involvement in organising and hosting events• Giving students an opportunity to lead and coach others• Opportunities for students to have roles of whole school responsibility• Use of open praise and rewards• Active School Council that contributes to change

Many teachers confess that whilst they are often observed by colleagues or inspectors and will accept their feedback constructively, they spend little or no time listening to the opinions of their pupils.

Do you ask your students what they enjoyed about your lesson? Do you ask your students what they had learnt during reflection time?

Do we know when our students are not engaged? If a student said they are bored what do we do about it?

When we involve students in leading the learning they have a sense of ownership over their own progression.

Using Student Observers – Contract between teacher and studentsLearning Journals for departments or individual teachersQuestionnaires at the end of a topic/projectBallot Box to vote on content of lesson anonymouslyReflection sessions – ‘What I enjoyed most was….’Student led content – starting from the end product and working backwards in order for students to decide the process Students attending departmental meetings to shape teaching and learningStudent led training sessions within departments/whole school

When students are consulted about new initiatives and feel they have made an active contribution to change, it can increase their commitment to learning.

Student Action Researcher Teams can be used for:

• Curriculum Development• Departmental change and review• Teaching & Learning strategies/styles• Implementing Whole School policies BfL/AfL/Lunchtime arrangements

Step 1: Highlight the need for Action

Year 8 had not had as many merits in the Autumn Term.

Year 8 Tutor team had highlighted that it was difficult for teachers and students to know what one of the 5R’s to award for various tasks.

Step 2: Form a Student Voice Group

5 Year 7’s and 5 Year 8’s of mixed ability, ethnicity and background

Step 3: Research for Action

Consult with wider group than your representatives

Set off the group with clear aims and outcomes

Cramlington High School’s 5R Progression chart to promote an independent learner