Today our episode’s theme is that of “Student Voice”. For years we have known that giving students voice and choice in schools has many benefits to their experience, their level of engagement, their ability to learn deeply and their ability to feel connected to their school. Students, as we all do, want to feel a sense of autonomy and agency in how and what they learn, and have an active role in their education – and in their lives – and in what they see going on around them.

“It is not enough to simply listen to student voice. Educators have an ethical imperative to do something with students and that is why meaningful student involvement is vital to school improvement”. We will explore these themes with our guests today Effie Aadland and Ervin Cadiz.

RESOURCES:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo4034411.html

QUOTE:

"In a curriculum that encourages student questioning, the teacher avoids unilateral transfer of knowledge. She or he helps the students develop their intellectual and emotional powers to examine their learning in school, their everyday experience, and the condition of society.
Empowered students make meaning and act from reflection, instead of memorizing facts and values handed to them." - Ira Shor, "Empowering Education": Critical Teaching For Social Change

BIO:

Effie Aadland has worked in education for over 25 years in two, large lower mainland school districts. She has had a variety of roles in Secondary schools: English teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Counselor, Vice-Principal and currently is the Principal of Byrne Creek Community School and is in her 4th year in that role. Besides her work as an educator, Effie loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Ervin is a grade 12 student at Byrne Creek Community School. From the very beginning, he's been deeply involved within the community; from being involved in his school's student government to founding his own clubs and initiatives, Ervin's experience in being involved at a community school gives him a unique perspective on the definition of community.