Even though student-centered learning is the foundation of student voice, the complexity and demands of teaching often make focusing on student voice yet another "add-on" for educators. However, as Toshalis and Nakkula (2012) assert, "student voice is the antithesis of depersonalized, standardized, and homogenized educational experiences because it begins and ends with the thoughts, feelings, visions, and actions of the students themselves" (p. 23).
Based on my experience as both a teacher and administrator, I suggest three action steps that educators can take to further incorporate student voice into their classrooms and schools.
1. Start by assessing the culture of your classroom or school.
Student voice is dependent on an environment that values the sharing of various perspectives. It starts by being ready to talk with and listen to students.
Look into what kinds of opportunities students currently have to use their voice. Toshalis and Nakkula's spectrum of student voice (see figure 3 on page 24 of their paper, "Motivation, Engagement, and Student Voice" [PDF]) may be a helpful tool to this process. Brainstorm how you can shift current practices to further include various student voices.
The most successful assessment process involves students. Our teachers collected feedback through
Student Voice Toolkit – The Elevator Speech
As one continues to enhance in his or her leadership skills through participation in eye-opening opportunities to reflection on personal experiences, the ability to share “a short but sweet” story of one’s involvement can be challenging but achievable! To articulate one’s thoughts with clarity, conciseness and transparency are important for him or herself to share and even engender excitement from another person to be impacted.
Thinking about the content is the first step in creating your Elevator Speech. The following questions (or which I prefer to call, prompts), are guides to stimulate your thinking on how to share the impact of Student Voice:In one sentence, what does Student Voice mean to you?
What is unique about this initiative, especially as a “student-driven initiative?”
Which modalities do we utilize in creating awareness and opportunity for students to express their voice?
What have you learned or experienced through Student Voice, that has impacted the way in how you lead and organize?
There are a few key guidelines for your consideration to help construct your Elevator Speech, to inspire and activate others to learn more..
Allot time to think about the questions listed above, while noting some of your responses and ideas brought forth from them.
Structure the speech by identifying the common pillars of Student Voice with your corresponding personal experiences.
Seamlessly integrate action words, and descriptive adjectives to add depth and emotion to the speech.
Be succinct and deliberate in the message you wish to share – think from the perspective, “what is most likely going to affect the person to consider learning more about our work and progress?”
Aim for the speech to be less than 2-minutes, with a typical conversation speech rate (not racing through to align with the proposed time limit).
Practice, refine and update, as time progresses. Everyday we learn something new, and thereby adjusting our speech to reflect our experiences can lessen the ‘routine’ affect that can often zap energy and passion from it.
Remember, communication is a way in sharing your voice with the world. This mini-resource is focused on your oral communication competency, but there are many other ways to express yourself!
Quote of the Week:“A leader is someone who demonstrates what’s possible.“ – Mark Yarnell
