Student-Teacher Collaboration and Exploring Student Voice to Improve Classroom Instruction and Action Planning in Grade Nine Health Education

Date
2017-12
Authors
Beliveau, Kendra Janelle
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Publisher
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina
Abstract

The purpose of this action research study was to understand my role as a health educator by encouraging student voice in my grade nine health classrooms. My intent was to collaborate and facilitate student-centered learning with grade nine students to produce meaningful action/advocacy plans in health education. The intent was for students to experience a safe discursive space, and a supportive learning environment to self-express and engage in a wider understanding of complex social and health issues. My aim of this research project is to empower students to have a voice and enable all participants to engage in change through social action. I collected data using student exit slips, student artifacts, crucial conversations, and a reflective journal. As I progressed through the phases of action research, my investigation into how I perceived student voices and student-centered learning in my grade 9 health education classrooms highlighted four emerging themes. The first theme highlighted three types of student voice (authoritative, critical and therapeutic) that emerged from the data. I was challenged with truly listening to student voice and the impact their words had on my role as a health educator. The second theme challenges power and privilege that exist within the classroom and school environment. I also discuss the connection between student voice and engagement, while discussing the power of silence in the classroom. The third theme documents my personal struggles shifting from teacher-centered to student-centered learning in health education. Finally, the fourth theme discusses the role of student voice in assessment practices.

Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Regina. vii, 136 p.
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