The Best Way to Empower Learners: Amplifying Student Voice

What is student voice and why is it important? Learn how Bear Time at White Bear Lake HS North Campus is creating personalized learning pathways for students.

Shannon Treichel
Innovate 624
Published in
4 min readOct 8, 2018

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“Everyday more educators are showing that they value students by involving them in meaningful ways in school. These teachers and administrators say that it is not about ‘making students happy’ or allowing students to run the school. Their experience shows that when educators partner with students to improve learning, teaching and leadership in schools, school change is positive and effective.”

Adam Fletcher, Meaningful Student Involvement Guide to Students as Partners

If you walked into WBLAHS North Campus on September 19, 2018, you would have seen students meditating, playing board games, making caramel apples, shooting baskets in the gym, getting help in math, or simply visiting quietly with friends. Students experienced something at school that has never happened to them before. When the bell rang at the end of second period, “Bear Time” was upon them and 1,241 students did not have to report to their next class. For the next half hour students could choose where they wanted to be. Some teachers were downright terrified at the thought of letting that many 9th and 10th graders “free” in the school. There were even a few students who were a little unsure and suspicious about the situation. “You mean nobody is telling me where to go?”

I will tell you how Bear Time ended up in a minute, but first I want to talk about student voice. What is it and why is it important? Students often feel like passive learners as opposed to partners in their own educational experience. Student voice happens when we allow students to share their opinions, concerns and values based on their passions. Adults may listen to students, but do we act to make change based on their feedback? This important step requires deliberate intention and commitment from the adults in school. And, as one South Campus student so elegantly described to administration, it’s not just about student voice. He explained that students already have a voice, but what they actually need is the chance to amplify their voices.

“It is not enough to simply listen to student voice. Educators have an ethical imperative to do something with students, and that is why meaningful student involvement is vital to school improvement.”

Adam Fletcher, Meaningful Student Involvement Guide to Students as Partners

Amplifying student voice is important for so many reasons. First, morale is better because students become more invested in their learning when they are making decisions based on their passions. If students do not define success for themselves, they may still feel like a failure even after meeting someone else’s target. It is always a good thing when people feel a sense of control and empowerment in their lives. Academic success will also improve because school becomes more relevant and deeper learning occurs. Student voice increases curiosity which in turn will increase persistence. When adults listen to student voices we have a better chance to improve our schools by fostering commitment and collaboration.

When students have amplified voices they become equipped with decision making skills at a young age and realize their opinions matter. Innovation has no age barrier. We need to realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by these amazing minds and hear the ideas from our children. If you have a few minutes, listen to this inspiring TEDx Talk by a 17 year-old girl named Kate Simonds. I think we all have a lot to learn from her.

I’m 17 — Kate Simonds

Bear Time is just one way to give students a voice. Students felt empowered to make a decision on where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do with their time. In the next few weeks, my colleagues will be sharing stories of how student voice is heard in their buildings. In the meantime, amplify your students’ voices. Some of these are small ways and some are big, but all of these choices will let them know they are essential members of our community and will empower them to be leaders today. They don’t need to wait to start making a difference.

You are probably waiting to hear how the first Bear Time went. In short, it was a hit. They ALL went somewhere and the halls were more empty than they are at any other time of the day. Teachers connected with students in a way they might not otherwise get to. Students felt relaxed, happy and more connected to their school. Some students made up tests or got extra tutoring. Students were immediately asking when they can do it again. They are in luck, because it will be a weekly occurrence at North Campus. With the help of FlexiSched, teachers will be able to request Bear Time with specific students and students will be able to self-select what enrichment opportunity they want to attend.

Join in on the action by tweeting how you are listening to student voices using #innovate624

Next week’s Innovate 624 will feature a look into amplifying student voice and we will be featuring different stories from around the district.

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Shannon Treichel
Innovate 624

Shannon Treichel is an Innovation Coach in White Bear Lake, MN. In addition to the classroom, her favorite places are on a sunny beach or up in the mountains.