This presentation from the Futurelab learner conference challenges the “notion of [students], as learners, being able to conceive of the future of their learning, being able to articulate that, and it seems to us very problematic”. It is a good question. The usual idea is that we ask the children but children can state preferences. They are less likely to be able to tell us what they want. Invariably they can only choose from the things that are currently available. This is another example of defining children with greater agency than they have. It also disempowers or disaggregates responsibility from those responsibility for learning or care etc.
John Potter September 22, 2009
I heard John Potter speak at the Futurelab conference about Learner Voice. He discussed his research with children and how he had used drawings and focus groups with children acting as researchers. (presentation) I have included his report for BECTA.
Research with Children September 22, 2009
I wonder whether this book is any good. It’s about concepts of childhood and how we find out what they think.
Participatory Techniques September 22, 2009
This book seems to offer an approach to looking at research with children through participatory techniques.
Becta listening to students September 22, 2009
This report from BECTA intends to hear what students think – how did they do?
