Increasing Student Voice
Medium: Collaborating with Adults
For an educator who is comfortable with regularly engaging students with surveys to elicit their ideas and feedback, the next phase of increasing student voice is providing opportunities for dialogue. As you will see in the examples at right, this can be done in a formal way structured by a protocol, or can be more open in conversation. Both approaches are useful, and can be chosen on a case by case basis to support the context and purpose of the exchange. I recommend using protocols when engaging a larger group because it creates a more equitable environment, ensuring that individual voices will not be overshadowed by stronger personalities.
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When is dialogue appropriate? Whenever you are considering possibilities for future academic work or struggling with a dilemma... ask the students!
Helpful Hints:​​
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Collaboration works best if there is choice.
Adults and students should be invited to engage in circles and dialogues, not obligated.
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New practices need explicit instruction.
When introducing new protocols or routines, ensure every participant understands their role and responsibilities before diving in.
Project Tunings and Dilemma Protocols with Students
A Project Tuning is a meeting in which teachers present a project, unit, or special event to a group with the purpose of improving it before it is implemented. A formal protocol is used to ensure all voices are heard so that meaningful feedback is provided. It works best in small groups (4 - 8 participants). This protocol is often implemented with adult educators. Once adults are familiar with the protocol, try inviting students to the circle: their perspective uniquely supports the presenter with increasing student engagement. Check out this video to see it in practice!
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Similar to a project tuning is a dilemma consultancy, which can relate to any aspect of classroom culture, not just curriculum. Here is a sample protocol. If you are curious about other protocols and activities for different purposes, the National School Reform Faculty website has an abundance of free resources. Remember, the point here is to increase student voice- include them in these important conversations!
Cogenerative Dialogues
You may have heard of Chris Emdin and perhaps have read his book. Cogenerative dialogues are one of the practices he outlines. Cogens have a similar purpose to project tunings and dilemma protocols, but are more focused on the individuals and relationships. The key is involving a consistent group of students that represent the diversity of the class and engaging them as expert consultants. It's just the beginning for creating a classroom more rooted in reality pedagogy, a framework built on a foundation of student voice.
Restorative Practices
An alternative approach to discipline that disrupts the "school-to-prison pipeline", restorative practices build positive school culture through a focus on relationships and community. Student voice is prominent with circles being a core routine in this approach. The process for creating a strong and healthy community begins long before a restorative justice circle: you can't "restore" something that didn't exist in the first place. Click here for more information.