“Your Voice Matters” - How might engaging student voice impact student engagement and care in my 6th grade social studies students?

Seminar Title

“Your Voice Matters” - How might engaging student voice impact student engagement and care in my 6th grade social studies students?

Engagement

6th Grade

Middle School

Social Studies

All Disciplines

How might engaging student voice impact student engagement and care in my 6th grade social studies students? In the past, I have examined formative and summative assessments/projects of my students and have had similar questions: Why do these all seem the same? Where is the creativity? Why does this lack authentic voice? With some reflection, I came to realize that I was guiding my students down the same path where I’m looking for a specific answer or product. Whether that was through monotonous checks for understanding in formative assessments, following a teacher-created rubric, or simply looking for one perfect answer that I had already predetermined, I was unintentionally limiting authentic student voice in the classroom. Consequently, their work and participation in my class became ritualistic, narrow, and lacking any true opportunities for students to bring their own voice into their work. How can I create an environment where the student voice is encouraged and shines through every aspect of the class? Through student-created rubrics, more intentional/meaningful checks for understanding in formative assessments, and taking more time to practice sharing their own beliefs and perspectives, we have gone down the better path where the students arrive at their own answers. Furthermore, their work (projects, presentations, writing, etc) has become more creative, unique, and personal. In this seminar, we will discuss my findings, explore some implications of authentic student voice, and have a discussion about what has worked for you! I look forward to learning from all of you.