Student Voice and Choice in the Classroom: Promoting Academic Engagement

Abstract

Centering the concept of student voice, this chapter makes three key contributions to the research on instructional practices that promote active learning and engagement. First, using research-based vignettes, it explains what student voice practices look like in the classroom and how they differ from the provision of choice. Second, it reviews the research linking student voice practices and choice practices to deeper engagement and learning. Third, drawing on original survey, interview, and focus group data, it illustrates how student voice practices and choice practices enhance affective, behavioral, and cognitive student engagement from the perspectives of both students and teachers. This chapter offers useful guidance to educators who wish to expand their active learning pedagogical repertoires to include student voice practices.