Tracy Petersen

I have actually asked students a version of this question:" if you were the principal what would you change?" I do get the "more recess, no math" responses but I also get :"I wish my teacher was nice".
At the elementary level I think that students would make a place with flexible environments (tables, desks, chairs, standing desks, beanbags) with soft lighting and options for sound variations (some kids want quiet, some want music). They would say that they want teachers who like them, who listen to them and care about them. They would say that they want to have fun when they learn and not be bored. They would want to feel comfortable and competent in their learning.

I would enhance the learning opportunities, I really didn't speak to those earlier and I think that students would say that they want to learn what they want to learn which is related to the "not being bored and having fun" concept. I also think that I would expand on the idea of teachers who like and listen to them. In a personal learning class, the teacher does get to know the students and so can have a real discussion with them about  issues relevant to the student.

How sad to think that students want their teachers to 'be nice'... I can only imagine what it would be like to be stuck in a class where you didn't think the teacher liked you, liked what they were doing, or was just plain mean. Changing the system and allowing students to be more empowered in their learning would hopefully change this view!