3 Ways to Amplify Student Voice
Students are the experts on their own experiences. They know what works and what doesn't in their schools. When students are given a voice in schools they are given the chance to have a positive impact on how, where, and what they are learning.
1. One way to amplify student voice is to create opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas. There are many ways to create opportunities like this. Some examples include:
- Surveys: Surveys are a great way to get feedback from a large group of students. You can survey students about their thoughts on a variety of topics, such as school climate, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.
- Focus groups: Focus groups are a more in-depth way to get feedback from students. In a focus group, you will meet with a small group of students to discuss a specific topic. This is a great way to get more detailed feedback from students.
- Student government: Student government is a great way to give students a voice in decision-making. Student government representatives can meet with school leaders to discuss issues that are important to students.
- Student-led clubs and organizations: Student-led clubs and organizations are a great way for students to share their interests and talents with their peers. These clubs and organizations can also be a platform for students to share their thoughts and ideas on a variety of topics.
2. Another way to amplify student voice is to listen to students. This means taking the time to hear what students have to say, even if it is not what you want to hear. It also means being respectful of students' opinions, even if you disagree with them. Listening to students is an important part of creating a positive school climate and a better learning environment for all students. When school leaders listen to students, they are creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment where students feel like they belong and where they can thrive.
3. Amplifying student voice also includes communication between school leaders and students. When students feel like their voices are being heard, they are more likely to be engaged in their schools and to feel like they belong. When students share their thoughts and ideas, it is important to take their feedback seriously and make changes to policies and practices based on their feedback. This shows students that their voices are being heard and that their opinions matter.
- Consider all of the feedback that you receive. Not all feedback will be the same, so it is important to consider all of the feedback that you receive before making any changes.
- Be transparent about the changes that you are making. Let students know why you are making the changes and how the changes will benefit them.
There are many benefits to amplifying student voice. When students are given a voice, they can:
- Improve their own learning. When students are involved in decision-making, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning and to take ownership of their education.
- Make their schools more inclusive. When students feel like they have a voice, they are more likely to feel like they belong in their schools. This can lead to a more positive school climate for all students.
- Hold schools accountable. When students are able to share their thoughts and ideas, they can hold schools accountable for meeting their needs. This can lead to improvements in school policies and practices.
By creating opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas, listening to students, and communicating with students we can give students a voice. When students are given a voice, they can make a real difference in their own lives and in the lives of their peers. Amplifying student voice is an important step in creating schools that are more effective and inclusive.
Further explore ways and benefits of amplifying student voice in Be Excellent on Purpose.
