Student Voice: A growing movement within education that benefits students and teachers

I NTRODUCTION

For decades, special educators have recorded postsecondary education goals identified by students

and their families on the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This process of listening to

students and supporting their ideas is just one example of the larger concept of student voice.

In an era of increased accountability and measured student outcomes, student voice represents a

growing movement in education. Instead of a top down, teacher directed approach to learning,

students play an active and equal role in planning, learning, and leading their classroom instruction

as well as contributing to the development of school practices and policies. This significant

philosophical shift requires all stakeholders to embrace the belief that there is something to learn

from every individual regardless of age, culture, socioeconomic status, or other qualifying factors.

DEFINING STUDENT VOICE

In education, the concept of student voice is twofold. It refers to the expression of values, opinions,

beliefs, and perspectives of individuals and groups of students in a school and to instructional

approaches and techniques that are based on student choices, interests, passions, and ambitions.

Listening to and acting on student preferences, interests, and perspectives helps students feel

invested in their own learning and can ignite passions that will increase their persistence.

BENEFITS OF INCREASIN G S T U D E N T V O I C E

Research indicates that students who believe they have a voice in school are seven times more

likely to be academically motivated than students who do not believe they have a voice (Quaglia

Institute for School Voice and Aspirations, 2016). According to this 239 school, 14 state study,

student voice leads to an increased likelihood that students will experience self-worth,

engagement, and purpose in school. The more educators can give their students choice, control,

challenge, and opportunities for collaboration, the greater their motivation and engagement will be. This can impact a student’s level of effort and persistence, which is one of the most important

factors that affect achievement