They Have A Voice, So Help Them Share It! - How To Help Students Share Their Perspectives

Written by Abena Sey

July 13, 2022

Technology gives us increased access to knowledge. With this collective knowledge, new ideas to enhance the school community can be developed. The emergence of new ideas is possible when there is an environment based on trust in the abilities of the contributors, and an appreciation of their diverse perspectives. When creating and sharing new knowledge is “a normal part of their (...) lives,” individuals will feel like they are contributing to the organization's success and more engaged in their respective positions (Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2006). I believe this expectation also applies to the school environment, and that we must make it our goal to help our students feel empowered to contribute their ideas. Consequently, when schools encourage their students to actively acquire new knowledge, i. e., teaching students to go out and learn more and share what they have learned with their classmates, students feel more connected with their peers and engaged in the learning process. We no longer have to wait for adulthood to “master what is already known”, because students can develop the skills needed to become lifelong learners and contributors when they are given a platform to do so (Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2006).

References

Scardamalia, M., & Bereiter, C. (2006). Knowledge building: Theory, pedagogy, and technology. In K. Sawyer (Ed.), Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences (pp. 97-118). New York: Cambridge University Press.