Learner Engagement

Abstract

In January 2007, Becta (British Educational Communication and Technology Agency) commissioned Futurelab to carry out a meta-review of current learner voice activity across primary, secondary, further and higher education. Desk-research and expert interviews inform the main corpus of this report. In addition, a workshop with practitioners, researchers and technologists was held to update information regarding the potential use of technology in learner voice initiatives. The purpose of this report is to provide educators working within primary, secondary, further and higher education with a guide to how learner voice is currently being used to shape policy and practice in education. Case studies have been chosen to illustrate the potential impact learner voice can make across the UKs education sectors. Although the case studies provided are from different sectors we would encourage readers to explore the methods and activities used in each, as these may offer new perspectives that you may wish to consider in your own context. In addition, the report discusses how digital technology may be used to advance learner voice initiatives by enabling greater learner-driven practice, as well as engaging all learners, particularly those who are typically under-represented.