Finding the SPARK: Engaging Middle Schoolers Using Storytelling, Art, and Authentic Experiences
In this interactive session, I will share how to use research and qualitative data to better understand the experiences of students in the middle grades.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AMWed
Teaching Strand
Speakers
Jennifer Ciok
Director of Governmental Relations
Illinois Association of School Boards
Using this information, I will give practical ideas on how to SPARK learning through incorporating storytelling, art, and authentic learning experiences. Understanding student experience and using that to elevate student voice makes sure all voices are included and the learning happening is authentic and engaging. In this session, I will share ways to gather authentic student voice through practices like empathy interviews and student shadows in order to understand students’ experiences, how to share that data back with students to co-create next steps, and how to take all of that information to create curriculum that is inspiring.