Envelope moment
Who
Vlaamse Scholierenkoepel
Why
A discussion where everyone is heard.
What
Every class at school gets an envelope at the same moment. In this envelope is a question (e.a. what school rule do you think needs to be changed and into what?). Every class discusses for about 10 minutes and puts their communal answer back in the envelope. You have 2 choices now:
a) every envelope goes to a group of pupils who then try to come to a suggestion for the school head.
b) a deputy of each class takes the envelope and discusses with the other deputies to come to an answer everyone is pleased with.
How
Every one can join. Every one has the chance to express his opinion. Because the discussion is in the classroom, chances are that the more quiet pupils will also be heard.
Effect/Assessment
It’s tested on a number of schools by different pupils over the years.
It may seem like a lot of work, but many schools have already tried this. You can start with just the classes in the same year and then build up.
Each pupil is given the opportunity to give his / her opinion on a certain topic: they think along about the school and actively participate.
! It is important to let the students know what happens with the results. After all, knowledge is also part of participation !
When
During class hours.
Resources
Envelopes