Student Voice Matters: Students Share Their Priorities for Their Future Educators

September 14, 2020

Adults in education have spent countless hours over the past six months deciding what’s best for student learning in light of the current global pandemic, with one very important stakeholder sharing their perspective over the summer, students.

During our “Student Voice Matters: Students Share Their Priorities for Educators” webinar students in grades 5th through 11th shared their needs and concerns. There, DC public school students gave their opinions on the type of talents and skills they want adults to consider when hiring teachers for the 2020-21 school year. To watch the entire webinar, click here.

We asked students what parts of distance learning they found most ineffective. They shared the following activities could be improved:

• Physical education

• Special courses (e.g., Arts, Music, Theater, Culinary Arts)

Students felt these activities weren’t as meaningful and engaging as they are during in-person instruction and hope that educators will find ways to increase engagement in these areas this school year.

In contrast, students shared what went well during the first round of distance learning. They found activities such as personal time with their teacher and having less instruction time to be more meaningful and something they looked forward to doing during the school day.

Students suggested their teachers should continue:

• Offering shorter classes to ensure they have time to complete assignments

• Providing unique lessons on subjects

• Having 1:1 learning time

• Using social media for announcements and to share information

• Organizing Spirit Weeks

• Creating space for special student populations to share challenges

Building strong relationships, having less instructional time, and organizing engaging non-instructional opportunities are key to appealing to students this school year.