Can student opinions change a class?

Many students have read a book they did not like or have done a problem that completely confused them. And they have complained. Can students create change in a classroom?

The answer is a troublesome one. It varies throughout the subjects.

The math teachers change activities that they see to be difficult to understand. They do not change them based on what the students say, but rather what the teachers observe. If they observe multiple students struggling, they will change it.

Math teacher Crystal Waysack commented, “We try to make changes to activities so that students can follow them and that they can relate to them if possible.”

In the history department, they change based on student opinions. They have altered assignments, projects, and the way they teach to accommodate what the students say.

World History teacher Jay Price said, “ I have changed activities based on student feedback. In world history, we made an entire unit student-centered versus the traditional PowerPoint that we had given in the past.”

Music classes are more flexible than other ones. The teachers change the songs they play each year, so they can pick different types of music. They do try to keep some traditions but they change aspects that need some updating.

Band Director Eddie Nabring explained, “I am always discussing with students regarding the direction of the programming, particularly during marching season. I discuss the direction of the band with the incoming senior class every spring, and Band Council is in place for underclassmen to have their voice as well in regards to concerns and feedback.”

Overall, it seems that based on student performance and feedback, teachers change certain aspects of their classroom. This is good. Students deserve a say in what they learn and how they learn. If students don’t like a book, they are more likely to look up summaries. If they don’t understand what is going on in a class, they will give up. Teachers need to account for student opinions or they won’t learn.

Some things cannot be changed, though. This is due to certain state requirements or AP test material or they are essential to college and beyond. Writing essays cannot go away because students don’t want to do them; they are used in college and many jobs. Certain material is necessary for students to know for an AP test.

Junior Kathryn Walter said, “If I don’t understand how to do a problem, I will not be able to learn from it. Or if I don’t like a book, I won’t read it thoroughly and won’t get what I need to out of it. If I find a project to be extensive and complicated, I try to find an easier way to do it. Teachers who have asked for a reflection are the ones who I learn better from.”