But aren't teachers supposed to be the leaders?

Young people are the experts about their own lives.  They possess unique knowledge and perspectives about their relationships, schools and their learning which adults cannot replicate.  When their voices are heard they feel that teachers gain a deeper understanding and concern for their difficulties.  

Research identifies issues of connectedness, behaviour, motivation and achievement as directly linked to classroom relationships and teaching styles.

Teachers, as learners, can seek feedback from their students in order to reflect honestly on their teaching, and the way their school operates.  With students as researchers and co-enquirers the focus is on ‘learning to learn’.  Approaches in which students play an active role in constructing their learning around purposeful activities with meaning beyond the classroom do actually improve learning … and they are seen as FUN!

Student voice supports student -teacher partnerships:

• connection with each other as people
• a spirit of cooperation and collaboration
• excitement about teaching
• appreciation of students’ capabilities
• insight into how to support engagement
• knowledge of practical areas for improvement
• experience of democratic principles and processes
• increasing the capacity of schools as learning organisations
• potential for change and improvement in classroom teaching and learning.