This year, throughout the day we are constantly asking students to mute, or asking my in-person students to quiet down so we can hear half of the class that’s virtual. While we are adjusting to this new “normal” of teaching, we cannot forget the value of student voice.
Although we expect to be able to allow collaboration “like normal”, the reality is that it won’t be. Students have to social distance, sanitize, and document that they sat somewhere. This year more than before, I have leaned on Google Meet breakout rooms and have LOVED using Flipgrid in the classroom to allow for communication about mathematical thinking. Anytime I can get students to share their ideas through Flipgrid, I am all about it.
Currently, my students are completing a Distance Mini Project where they create their own real-world data, create a graph and equation, then create a video of themselves presenting their findings to the class. Doing small things like that in class help my students have time to prove their understanding through explaining and allow students a space for sharing their thinking. In fact, it is best when “Learners are given the opportunity to use their own voice to structure their work and ideas and share those insights and knowledge with their colleagues within their organizations” (Harapnuik et al., 2018).
A wonderful aspect of Flipgrid, is that Flipgrid is constantly improving their platform. As of now, the customization and creativity Flipgrid allows for is great for 6th and 7th grade students. Flipgrid gives students a lot of choices regarding the way they display their learning. It also allows students to easily view the prompt, give access to a rubric, and choose whether they want to present their screen, write on their screen, or upload pictures while explaining their thinking.
To check out Flipgrid, go to Flipgrid.com and set up a FREE account. Not only is Flipgrid super responsive via email, they also are supportive via Twitter if you run into issues.
I look forward to finding other platforms to support student voice. How are you supporting student voice? Please comment or share your ideas below!
References
Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018). Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning Opportunities. http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7291
Education with Meaning 