Course summary
This course introduces teachers to the concept of student voice as the foundation for creating inclusive and participatory school communities. Teachers will learn how to foster safe spaces for students to express their views, communicate those views effectively, and take actionable steps to ensure student input influences decision-making. With practical strategies and reflection questions, educators will leave equipped to embed student participation into their everyday teaching practice.
Cool.org - Course overview - (https://vimeo.com/1098376538/f8015c3cdf?share=copy)
Video transcript
What if student voice was at the heart of your school? This course gives you the tools to create safe, inclusive spaces where students feel heard and where their ideas actually influence change. You’ll get practical strategies, reflection prompts, and everything you need to embed student participation into your everyday teaching. Let’s reimagine what school can look like, starting with student voice.
You will learn:
- how to create a safe and inclusive environment for students to express their views
- practical approaches to amplify student participation in classroom decision-making
- strategies to ensure students’ perspectives are communicated and acted upon.
Course time:
This course is expected to take between 30 to 45 minutes. Perfect for after work or during a spare period. You will have ongoing access via your user dashboard.
Accreditation:
This course is mapped to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
- 1.3: Design and implement teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- 3.5: Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student understanding, participation, and engagement.
- 4.1: Establish and implement inclusive and positive interactions to engage and support all students in classroom activities.
- 6.2: Participate in professional learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school/system priorities.
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Course Content
Starting out with Student Voice
Course instructor
Jake Fehily (Programs Manager at VicSRC) is passionate about using co-design to create positive, inclusive change, particularly by working alongside young people to develop solutions that reflect their unique needs and experiences. With extensive experience collaborating with local youth organisations and community groups, Jake has designed programs and services that are both empowering and impactful. He is deeply committed to cultural awareness, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in every project to foster environments where all young people feel respected, heard, and supported.
In his role at VicSRC, Jake leads programs that amplify student voice and empower young people to take an active role in shaping their educational experiences. His work is grounded in the belief that community-driven solutions are essential to enhancing the wellbeing of young people. Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending quality time with his dog and catching up on his favourite podcasts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I log this PD with my states teaching authority?
Yes! Our courses are mapped to the Australian Professional Teacher Standards (AITSL), and your completion can be logged as elective PD hours with your state's teaching regulatory authority. To do this, grab your certificate of completion from your personal dashboard once the course is complete.
How long will this take to complete?
This course is expected to take between 30 to 45 minutes. Perfect for after work or during a spare period. You will have ongoing access via your user dashboard.
Will I get proof of completion?
Is this course accredited?
All of our courses are mapped to the Australian Professional Teacher Standards (AITSL), and your completion can be logged as relevant, teacher-identified professional development activity with all Australian state teaching regulatory authorities. To do this, grab your certificate of completion from your personal dashboard once the course is complete.
- 1.3: Design and implement teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- 3.5: Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student understanding, participation, and engagement.
- 4.1: Establish and implement inclusive and positive interactions to engage and support all students in classroom activities.
- 6.2: Participate in professional learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school/system priorities.
Who are the instructors?
This course is designed in consultation with teachers, principals, psychologists, counsellors, scientists, and all manner of experts in the education field.
Cool.org's curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum and best educational practice, so you can be sure your learning is at the cutting edge of education theory.
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