Featured EdWords Blogs
Voice & Choice
We have seen research over and over again that, when learners have a choice in identifying what to learn and how they want to learn it, it has produced academic success and allows creativity to flourish.
This is nothing new. The way many teachers, schools, and districts are finally embracing itis.
About five years ago, I was introduced to the EdCamp professional development model, where educators not only choose what to attend, but they also teach it themselves and all have the ability to leave if they don’t like or understand what is being taught. Later, I blogged about the Northfield Community School and how Principal Glenn Robbins (now a superintendent) offered an elective-style period at the end of the day where middle schoolers (yes, students) were able to pick what class they wanted to attend.
Fast forward to today. I recently observed arts teachers in one of my schools take part in the same model with students in grades 4 and 5. Students had the chance to choose from six different art-themed classes, in addition to the ones they already had during the week, ranging from musical theater to ballet.
While the school itself is unique in that it has been created to circulate around artistic infusion while students receive their elementary education, it also has embraced current, meaningful educational research that indeed shows that student voice and student choice are factors in obtaining an education that will serve students of today’s times, not the school that you and I went to.
Again, saying that we need to be cognizant of today’s times is nothing new and far from groundbreaking. It’s the fact that teachers and administrators not only understand but follow through and implement, so that our students have a chance to take part in today’s society, not be a product of the 70’s / 80’s / 90’s that just collects and completes piles of worksheets (that are all thrown out at the end of the year) and is known by a state testing identification number.
To all those who are embracing voice and choice in your classrooms, schools, and districts, thank you.
Onward!
Featured Contributors
Listen on These Podcast Platforms
Trending Topics
Latest EDwords Articles
Three Words Early Childhood Educators Should Never Use to Manage Their ClassroomsBy Debra PierceMarch 21, 2024
What Visible, Measurable Effect Is GenAI Having on Student Learning? We Asked John HattieBy Errol St.Clair SmithMarch 17, 2024
It’s Here! March, “National Reading Month!” Let’s Read!By Rita WirtzMarch 2, 2024
Keep Your Head Up: Learning to Survive As an Early Childhood EducatorBy Debra PierceFebruary 25, 2024
Singing and Moving in a Developmentally Appropriate ClassroomBy Gail MultopFebruary 12, 2024
More Information
© 2024 Accretive Media Ventures. All rights reserved.
