Want to change education? Listen to your kids. | Abigail Bergen | TEDxSNHU

TL;DR

Students often hold valuable insights and expertise that surpass degrees and certifications. By actively listening to their voices, we can foster their self-efficacy and create a more inclusive and successful educational environment.

Transcript

experiences and events are often at the core that shape who we are as a person and what we think often they go unnoticed sometimes they are so insignificant that we give them no pause until one day something happens that connects all of these seemingly minuscule events into one really really big realization today I want to share with you a realizat... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫡 Experiences and events shape individuals, and students' perspectives and insights should be valued and respected in education.
• 🤳 Students with disabilities often advocate for themselves and possess self-efficacy levels that significantly contribute to their overall success.
• 🤳 Education professionals should prioritize self-efficacy skills as much as academic skills to empower students and ensure their long-term success.
• 😫 A student's success is not solely dependent on their skill set, but also on their belief in their own abilities and the recognition of their voice.
• 🥺 Listening to all voices, even those that may appear outrageous or impractical, can lead to innovative solutions and empower students' future contribution.
• 💦 Higher education professionals must remember their purpose and continue to prioritize student voices in their work.
• 👂 Inclusive education involves understanding and meeting the unique needs of diverse learners by actively listening and valuing their perspectives.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the narrator leave their dream job as an English teacher?

The narrator discovered their passion for special education and realized that their experiences with at-risk populations made them more suited for that field.

Q: What was the outcome when the student struggling in school got moved to a less distracting classroom?

The student flourished both academically and emotionally, demonstrating the importance of listening to students' needs and adjusting their learning environment accordingly.

Q: What lesson does the narrator emphasize about students' voices in the education system?

The narrator emphasizes that students' voices should not be dismissed or overshadowed by degrees and accolades, as their insights and self-awareness are invaluable.

Q: How did advocacy from campers at Camp Janed contribute to greater rights for individuals with disabilities?

The advocacy efforts of campers from Camp Janed, such as Judy Human, led to the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The narrator's realization that students may know more than professionals and have unique insights led to a career in special education.

• The story of a student struggling academically, but voicing their need for a less distracting classroom, highlights the importance of listening to student perspectives.

• Advocacy and self-efficacy are crucial for students with disabilities, and their voices should be a central focus in education.