Research taster

Being able to talk about their learning and their experiences of teaching to an audience that takes them seriously is very helpful for young people. It helps pupils feel more self-confident and more integrated into school life and that they have an input into the teaching process. As a teacher, you also benefit from increased understanding of the feelings and attitudes of your pupils. Teachers are positive about being given a chance to listen to the opinions and ideas of their pupils, saying that the insights gained and the opportunity to get closer to their pupils’ attitudes are invaluable.

Your evidence 

One simple way you can find out about the opinions of your pupils is to get them to write down what they think of particular activities.  You could explain the purpose of the exercise to your pupils at the start of the lesson and ask them to write down (or tell you) what they feel about each of the activities.

Moving forward

Pupils need to feel that they are an important part of the decision-making process and that their views are heard.  How might you make greater use of your pupils’ suggestions and ideas? What would be the best way to gain a broad spectrum of pupils’ ideas? How could you increase your pupils’ capacity for, and confidence in, making suggestions about teaching?

Find out more 

The project website: http://www.consultingpupils.co.uk/

A TLRP Research Brief on pupil voice at:

http://www.tlrp.org/pub/documents/no5_ruddock.pdf

A GTC Research of the Month summary on pupil voice at:

http://www.gtce.org.uk/policyandresearch/research/ROMtopics/pupilvoice/