Let Them Think They are Driving

Who remembers sitting on someone’s lap and playing with the steering wheel of the car? If you were really lucky, you even got to “drive” while the car was moving. If you were like me, you had no idea that someone else was actually driving. During those times, the feeling of power and being grown up were so amazing, I personally have never forgotten them. That is why, when appropriate, I try to give my students that same feeling in the classroom. As teachers, there are times when we need to let our students feel like they are driving.

Giving students a voice in the classroom actually helps improve not only engagement but also achievement (Pandolpho, 2020). This chance to speak up and have a say gives them a sense of power and control. Some students do not have that voice at home, and others need a chance to express their own creative ideas. Students need to feel valued and listened to. When we give them the power of choice, it helps them feel more in control of their learning.

This does not mean that you don’t ever plan a lesson, and that you just let your students direct learning every day. It does mean that when appropriate, let them have choices. This might mean discussing how an event you are studying in history relates to something they see in everyday life. It could mean allowing them to show understanding of a book they read with a mural rather than a powerpoint or essay. Sometimes you must insist on certain forms of presentation; however, when you can allow choice, it can really aid in student engagement.

Teacher for a class can be a fun activity as well. This allows students to feel as if they have the “power” and gives them a great deal of satisfaction. This can look many different ways, but ultimately the student gets to lead the class. They may get to write the practice problems on the board, or pick the homework assignment. They may get to click through and read the presentation on the smartboard. Whatever the format, student engagement will grow, and honestly, we have learned that students remember what they are learning far better when they teach it to others (Stock, 2019). Give students the chance to drive, with your support of course, and they will begin to grow and flourish even more.

How this will look is up to you. You may end up using different tactics for different students. Let your relationships with your students guide the “driving lessons” that you give. This way, they learn how to grow and thrive with support that meets their needs. I know it can be difficult to let them take the wheel; but just remember, you aren’t letting go. You are just driving the car on the down low while helping your student build confidence and feel as if they are guiding their own learning. Give it a try and enjoy the ride!

References:

Pandolpho, B. (2020, March 10). Simple Ways to Promote Student Voice in the Classroom. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/simple-ways-promote-student-voice-classroom.

Stock, E. (2019, January 24). Want Students to Remember What They Learn? Have Them Teach It. - EdSurge News. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-01-24-want-students-to-remember-what-they-learn-have-them-teach-it.

Why is Student Voice Important in Schools? Enriching Students. (2020, November 23). https://www.enrichingstudents.com/why-student-voice-matters/.