Feedback Form

Participation and Learning Network

Session 2008-2009

How have the sessions developed your understanding of Pupil Participation?

 It is good to know the current level of play that the Pupil Participation
is at and to see how this has impacted children in schools.
 The sessions have focused my thinking on consulting with children &
participation. They have allowed me to make the links to the
UNCRC and to consider the implications for practice. It has been
good to hear about what is going on and to consider some of the
reasons why participation for all pupils may not be happening.
 I’ve enjoyed hearing about how others have had success in giving
pupils a voice. There was a good mixture of activities in each of the
3 sessions and I liked the way we even focused on staff having a
voice & the impact that a school culture can have on pupil
participation.
 I have a greater awareness of the ways in which to encourage pupil
participation in the class. The booklet is really helpful and the ‘world
café’ format worked well.
 These sessions have increased my knowledge and understanding
and made me aware of what I’m already doing in my class in terms
of participation in learning.
 They have made me think deeper about participation, encouraged
me to re-examine current practice and further improve the level of
participation.
 Raised awareness of good practice going on in school/ wider
community. Ideas for more participation in learning in classes/ to
include parents/ all children and staff.
 Ideas from others of ways to develop pupil participation. Handouts
and info will be helpful when discussing with colleagues, children &
parents.

What impact have the sessions had on your practice and/or the practice in your
school/establishment?

 It has raised awareness of ensuring that children are not only

participating but have an awareness that they are partly responsible
for guiding their own learning.
 The sessions have allowed me to reflect on existing practice and to
consider: Whose voices are being heard? By whom? Who is
allowed to speak? About what?
 I’m not in class at the moment, but I’ve found it valuable to be able to
reflect on what worked for me in the past. I also now feel more
equipped to ‘spread the word’ about encouraging participation at all
levels.
 I intend to promote more personalisation and choice to encourage

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2008-2009
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 Feedback Form
Participation and Learning Network
Session 2008-2009
participation. I encourage pupil voice and
participation in the class and having the opportunity
to bring children along was a great motivation.
 From the Cyber Café session I took forward ideas for getting children
more involved in their learning during ICT, e.g. ‘class blog’.
 The sessions have impacted across the school; participation has
deepened & widened.
 First session today. Reflect on what is happening in school. Ideas to
include ‘quieter’ pupils. Resources available to help ‘participation
and learning’.
 Will support review of current practice & identification of other
opportunities.

What would help your continued professional development in Pupil Participation

next session?

 Sessions on AifL, active learning, developing the active class, the ‘I

can’ attitude. Promoting positive strategies for behaviour
management with the responsibility on the child. The use of ICT to
promote participation and learning.
 Staff voice – all staff should be listened to and valued. Staff training
– there is a need to raise awareness of the UNCRC and make links
to classroom learning & teaching. Establish a network for sharing
good practice and creating opportunities for professional dialogue.
Full day CPD session – next term!
 It would be good to find a way to involve more people in the
sessions. It’s very valuable sharing ideas with numbers of people. I
really enjoyed hearing all of the ideas from the other group members
about how to take things forward next session.
 Specific examples of good practice within the curriculum. More
discussion sessions to discuss ideas and good practice.
 I enjoyed the session with the children sharing their ideas and what
they do in class in terms of participation in learning. More sessions
like these would be useful. It would also be useful to see and
experience (hands on) some strategies that children & teachers are
using in the class.
 Further exploration of document.
 Continue to meet to discuss ideas/ share experiences. Hands-on
experience/ shadow.
 Hearing about good practice & visiting places to see it. Participation
of pupils on SIP – examples.
 Ask Mark Merrell to do more work with us on UNCRC and
Participation & Learning document; explore the use/role of
Assemblies in participation.
 Explore the new HMIE document, ‘Learning Together: Opening up
learning’ published on 23rd April 2009 and make links to
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Session 2008-2009
‘Participation and Learning’.
 Look at ‘Practice for Positive Relationships: 2:
Reaching out to families’, published by Scottish Government in
August 2007.

Thank you for your feedback.

The Participation and Learning Network Team

Participation and Learning Network

2008-2009
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