6 Ways To Share Student Voice Every Day

There are many ways that student voice can be actively engaged throughout schools. One of them is in classrooms. Much of my early work was centered on engaging students as partners in changing schools by positioning them in rich roles during their classroom learning experiences.

Now, though, I’m becoming more interested in how students themselves can make their voices heard throughout their typical learning experiences. Students should not always have to rely on adults to involve them meaningfully in schools; likewise, schools should prepare students to share their voices throughout their educational experiences.

6 Ways To Share Student Voice Every Day
Following are six ways students can share student voice on their own.

Tell teachers about your needs in the classroom. This could mean talking about your learning style, asking clarifying questions about assignments, seeking help when needed, advocating for what you need to be successful, or standing up for your rights.
Share your personal life with a safe adult. Find an adult in your school who can be an ally to you. This could be a teacher, counselor, or other person who you could share changes in family with, issues in school, or other personal issues.
Challenge schools to change. If you’re not satisfied with getting in deeper, work with your friends to challenge schools to change. Gather information about school, classes, clubs, and community issues, and identify issues agree need to change. Then work in your school to change your school.
Stay on top of it, and sit out when you need to. Participate in class, hand in your homework, keep going to class, and pay attention to your grades. That is a form of communication. So is not talking in class, not doing your homework, skipping class, and letting your grades drop.
Share it with your parents. Make sure you, or when needed, your parents, respond to all messages from school. Give them opportunities to get involved and show them you care about your learning.
Partner with your parents. Show your parents that you want to be involved and attend school meetings, events, and parent/teacher conferences.

There are many ways that students can make their voices heard on their own. This is just a short list. What are some ways you’d add?