Title: Simple Ways to Promote Student Voice in the Classroom | Edutopia
Headings: Simple Ways to Promote Student Voice in the Classroom
Student Voice
Simple Ways to Promote Student Voice in the Classroom
Giving students some say over what happens in class can promote engagement and a strong sense of community.
By Beth Pandolpho
March 10, 2020
Begin Class With a Welcoming Ritual
Plan Consistent Opportunities for Student Voice
Ask Students About Their Lives Beyond The Classroom
Ask for Student Feedback—and Use It

Content: When are students writing for an audience beyond the classroom? Do students have choices regarding the work they’re doing? If (and in what ways) are students prompted to connect what they’re learning in the classroom to their lives outside of school? Ideally, our classrooms would be places where students not only gain knowledge but also discover who they are and who they want to be. The only way students will come to these realizations is through both independent and collaborative explorations in which they add their voices to the conversation. Prioritizing student voice strengthens a sense of belonging, as the learning experiences are co-created by students and teachers. Ask Students About Their Lives Beyond The Classroom
We need to show our students that we value who they are and understand the complexities of their lives. Some students will clearly make themselves known while others will fade into the background if we let them—so we need to intentionally interact with all students. These moments of listening and sharing with students reinforce belonging and build relationships. We can do this while greeting students when they enter the classroom, while conferring with small groups, and while conferencing with individual students.