How can you incorporate student voice and choice into professional development programs?

1 Benefits of student voice and choice

Student voice and choice are the concepts of giving learners the opportunity to express their opinions, preferences, and feedback, and to influence the design, content, and delivery of their learning experiences. Research has shown that student voice and choice can improve motivation, engagement, ownership, and achievement in learning. Similarly, when you incorporate student voice and choice into your PD programs, you can enhance your own learning outcomes, as well as foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment among your colleagues.

3 Challenges and solutions

Incorporating student voice and choice into your PD programs may present a few challenges, such as managing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of your participants while ensuring alignment with institutional goals, as well as providing adequate support and guidance. Additionally, time, resources, and logistics are required for designing, delivering, and evaluating the PD programs. To overcome these challenges, it's important to communicate the purpose, objectives, and expectations of the PD program clearly and transparently. Clear instructions, criteria, and feedback should be provided for the PD activities along with scaffolding, mentoring, and coaching for your participants. Acknowledging and celebrating their achievements is also beneficial. Planning ahead and allocating sufficient time, resources, and logistics is essential. You can also seek support from colleagues or external partners. Utilizing online platforms, tools, and resources can facilitate the design, delivery, and evaluation of the PD program while also enhancing the accessibility, flexibility, and diversity of the PD options.

4 Examples of student voice and choice in PD programs

Incorporating student voice and choice into PD programs can be successful, as demonstrated by the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) program at the University of Central Florida, the Professional Development School (PDS) program at the University of Maryland, and the Teaching Squares program at the City University of New York. The FLC program brings together faculty members to explore a common theme or topic of interest, while the PDS program involves multiple stakeholders in designing, implementing, and evaluating PD activities tailored to their needs. The Teaching Squares program allows participants to select their own group members, observation schedule, and feedback format. Each of these programs provides support, resources, and recognition for participants, and encourages them to share their learning with others.

5 Tips for incorporating student voice and choice

Incorporating student voice and choice into your PD programs effectively requires some tips to be followed. Start small and simple, and as you and your participants become more comfortable with the process, you can gradually increase the level and scope of student voice and choice. It is important to be open-minded and respectful of the diverse views, choices, and feedback of your participants, without imposing your own agenda or preferences. Additionally, be flexible and adaptable in order to modify or revise your PD program as needed. Collaboration and support amongst participants, colleagues, managers, or external partners should also be fostered in order to create a sense of community and trust. Finally, it is important to reflect on the data and evidence from your PD program in order to assess its effectiveness, impact, and outcomes, as well as identify areas for improvement or further development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?