Learner voice
The role of learners, children and adults, in decision making in education is an ongoing discourse, which covers a range of issues including learner rights and ability to articulate informed choices. How we can effectively engage learners in dialogue about what, how and when they want to learn is an important area of research, which AlphaPlus is actively involved in through the ‘learner voice’ projects we have undertaken. We have developed activity based workshop approaches to engaging students in telling us what they really think through role playing, debate and small group work.
Although the education system has undergone major changes over recent years, for many of these innovations, consultation with learners can be limited and so their voice may be unheard. AlphaPlus manages learner voice activity as part of both its programme design support and programme evaluation functions. We organise and deliver learner interviews and focus groups both in school and at away-day events, providing a suitable environment, support and facilitation for learners (including younger children) to express their views and preferences.
Our learner voice work includes structured interviews, case study and focus group approaches, and we offer a video production service where clients require it. Recent work includes consulting with students on 14-19 curriculum development, in school and also at national/ regional workshops.
Clients
- We undertook learner voice video case study production for the diplomas for QCDA
- We interviewed hundreds of Key Stage 4 and College learners as part of the Functional Skills and GCSE and A level evaluations
- We undertook learner voice video case study production for ESOL learners on Skills for Life Programmes (for the Department for Education).
