In a recent episode of the Middle School Walk and Talk podcast, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell sat down with Sandy Cameli, a seasoned middle level educator and author with more than three decades of teaching experience from Honolulu, Hawai’i, to explore the transformative concept of student voice in middle grades education as highlighted in her new book, Successful Middle School Student Voice. Listen to the podcast episode now, or enjoy the written recap here.
Defining Student Voice
The episode kicks off with a discussion on what student voice truly means in the middle level educational context. Sandy clarifies that student voice isn’t solely about verbal communication, but includes all forms of student expression. She introduces an acronym, VOICE, to break down how educators can foster this:
- V – Viewpoint: Encouraging students to understand and respect diverse perspectives.
- O – Ownership: Empowering students to take pride in their contributions.
- I – Independence: Building student confidence in expressing their thoughts and beliefs.
- C – Connections: Enhancing collaborative skills and peer relationships.
- E – Elevating: Celebrating the efforts and achievements of middle level learners.
Sandy also shares practical classroom strategies to help educators hone in on each element of VOICE, such as the “3-2-1” method, where students reflect on what they’ve learned in a unit by identifying three key takeaways, two questions or wonderings, and one action they will take. This method not only assesses learning but also invites student input, turning summative assessments into formative opportunities.
Challenges and Support for Teachers
The conversation acknowledges the challenges teachers face when implementing student voice, particularly in terms of classroom management and assessment consistency. Sandy suggests starting small with collaborations among educators, advocating for team approaches to innovation in teaching methods, and ensuring that any new strategy aligns with educational standards through clear, consistent rubrics.
A highlight of the episode is Sandy’s recount of the “Lead Like Duke” student-led conference in Hawai’i, themed after the legendary Aloha Ambassador, Duke Kahanamoku. This event was entirely designed by students, for students, showcasing leadership through various student-driven activities like media production, robotics, and community engagement. This initiative demonstrated how giving students the reins can lead to remarkable outcomes and foster a sense of ownership and community.
Closing Advice for Educators
To conclude, Sandy leaves listeners with advice for middle school educators. She emphasizes the unique opportunity educators have to impact students during a pivotal time in their development, suggesting that the enthusiasm and growth seen in middle schoolers can be profoundly inspiring and rewarding. It’s a reminder that when students are given the platform to express themselves, the result is environments where learning is vibrant, engaging, and truly student-centered.