Student Voice has always been a passion of mine. I truly believe we need to get our students thinking more introspective and becoming more cognizant of their learning. When students explore their meta-cognitive abilities, they understand how they learn and can start employing strategies that will help develop a growth mindset.
For years I have been using a survey to help students self assess their Learning Skills. The survey asks them a variety of questions relevant to students and gets them to identify their strengths, as well as areas to develop and grow.
After speaking with a friend working on Digital Portfolios, he urged me to start student conferences. It was uncharted territory for me, but the students rose to the occasion and prepared fantastic slides discussing everything from the learning styles, Multiple Intelligence, Interests, Favourite and Least Favourite Subjects, Learning Skills and detailed goals moving forward where they can seek support from home and school. The insight I gained and knowledge that was shared was incredible.
When it came time for parent teacher interviews students delivered beautiful presentations to their parents about their learning. I was able to sit back, adding little comments and see how proud the parents were watching their children become independent and evaluative learners.