At this year’s Education Nation Summit, reformers, policymakers, and funders were asked to look at education from a new perspective. A panel of students came before the audience to discuss their own experiences and their ideas on reforming the education system so they and future generations can receive a “world-class” education. Blogger Lisa Nielsen of  The Innovative Educator blog shared 20 key points made by the student panel in her article “20 Things Students Want the Nation to Know About Education.“
Have you heard similar sentiments in your classroom or from your child? Adapting the classroom to fulfill all these demands might seem like a daunting task, but on closer examination there are a couple key themes students desire in the classroom. A few that stand out are:
- Making a personal connection, whether this is through understanding technology that students use, congratulating them on an academic victory, or interacting with them on a human level that shows them mutual respect as members of the classroom.
- Giving them the skills they need for the future by offering classes they enjoy, teaching with technology, and introducing critical thinking skills.
These students are asking for an environment that feels comfortable, offers emotional support, and teaches them skills that are applicable to the changing world of work and demands of higher education. Is it too much to demand from their education? Do any of the student concerns listed above stand out? How can you address at least one of these sentiments in your classroom?
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Source:
“20 Things Students Want the Nation to Know About Education,” by Lisa Nielsen. 28 September 2011. The Innovative Educator. Accessed on 30 September 2011. <http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/09/20-things-students-want-nation-to-know.html>
