Members of the Provo City School District’s Student Advisory Council met at Timpview High School on Oct. 7 to begin designing a student survey focused on teaching and classroom engagement, according to a report published Oct. 14.
During the meeting, students worked alongside Superintendent Wendy Dau and Communications Specialist Spencer Tuinei to explore what classroom experiences motivate students to think, participate, and learn.
The discussion involved a mini-lesson led by Dau that allowed council members to share observations through partner discussions and group sharing. Students recorded their ideas on sticky notes to document specific classroom practices and experiences.
Some students identified teacher enthusiasm, such as a genuine interest in a subject or making real-world connections, as key factors. Other participants focused on practical pedagogical methods, including clear examples, repetition, varied activities, and the effective use of class time.
Students from both high schools highlighted U.S. government classes as examples of lessons that connected with their lives. They also described the importance of welcoming environments where reserved students have opportunities to ask questions and participate.
Participants also addressed the distinction between a class being merely fun and a lesson actually facilitating understanding and application of material. To gain more detail than a standard survey provides, the council proposed using focus groups and guided interviews.
The council discussed strategies for encouraging participation in the upcoming survey, including using social media, printed flyers, and opportunities during the school day such as homeroom or second period. They also emphasized the need for the survey to remain brief, use impartial language regarding instructional methods, and include options for longer-form answers.
The next task for the council is to transform the shared experiences into specific questions that invite more students into the conversation. Council members were tasked with developing potential survey or focus-group questions and ideas for encouraging participation.
