Head of Campus 

Student choice

“By taking ownership of their education children invest more of themselves and are more motivated to learn.” (Preshil Courage document, 2010)

Developing student agency and ownership of learning has been at the core of Preshil’s philosophy from its earliest days. Facilitating and helping students to identify their passions and interests is a fundamental part of the teaching and learning at Preshil. To this end, student voice and choice has been integral in the planning, delivery and assessment of student learning. Student interest and investment in the curriculum has helped to shape the teaching and learning delivery in all disciplines, however, at times this element of student agency has been misunderstood by students as a choice to opt out of learning.

At Preshil, choosing to engage or not engage in learning is a myth; the choice is how students engage.

While we all recognise that for some students the online environment presents obstacles in their learning, the question of choice in learning remains the same. School and online learning are not optional, but the way in which students foster their involvement in the learning is.

For some students the choice is deciding which task they will complete first, or which interest area they will investigate, while for others it is to complete work asynchronously rather than attend virtual classes. For all students the choice is how they engage in their learning, not whether they engage. Face-to-face or online, student choice is about ways in which students can access the curriculum, shape curriculum and engage in the learning.

Fundamental to the success of such learning is the communal support required from teachers and parents. Understanding the student’s needs from all perspectives is vital in creating the environment in which all students can succeed and thrive. Student/parent/teacher (3-Way) conferences are a key element in this process and are vital in bringing all stakeholders together for this important communal discussion.

These conversations are an opportunity for students to lead the discussion by sharing their work, progress, difficulties and thinking in each subject, often uncovering many interesting aspects about the their engagement in each subject and bringing all parties together in a common understanding. It is an opportunity for teachers to provide context for the work the student is doing and the objective of this work, how they see the student progressing and strategies for improvement. It is also an important chance for parents to ask questions about teaching methods, the purpose of the work or investigation and to share insights into their child’s world.

For parents, prompting your child to discuss some of the core elements that underpin skill building and personal growth within their learning could help to begin these discussions. Asking your child to discuss how they engage in the IB Learner Profiles (inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective) or the Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL) Skills (thinking, communication, self-management, social and research skills) could help to uncover a deeper understanding of their learning and engagement. 

At Preshil, communicating student and learning needs from all perspectives creates the foundation on which success can be built. These positive conferences are vital in forming the fundamental supports that underpin potential student accomplishment and are an opportunity for families, students and teachers alike to connect in a celebration of learning.

Karoline Kuti

Head of Campus

karoline.kuti@preshil.vic.edu.au