AJ McLellan Student Survey 2016 Student Feedback About AJ Mclellan

Survey Process Students in 11 classes, grades 3 to 7, surveyed Individual student written responses - anonymous Follow up face to face sessions with each class, Principal & Vice Principal

Survey Questions What was the most memorable learning experience for you at AJ McLellan? Why was it memorable? What brings you success in your learning? What interferes with your learning? How can you be involved in the learning process? What do you think your class/school needs to improve learning? What else would you like the Principal and Vice Principal to know about AJ McLellan?

Memorable Learning Experiences for Students Positive Connections: “When I made friends at the school some people came to me. It was memorable because I thought I’d be alone for awhile and wasn’t.” “How kindly people treat you.” “The kids in the school are nice.” Project Based Learning: “Science Fair because you get to research more about something you’re interested in.” “When I raised and learned about salmon. Field trip to let baby salmon go free.” “Young Entrepreneurs – experience making and selling a project. And you made your own money.”

Students Experience Success in Learning When They Have. . . Criteria Exemplars “Knowing what you’re doing ahead of time.” “When I read what the assignment is.” “Clear instructions.” “When the teacher shows us ideas of other peoples’ work, like the people who did really well.” “When I have examples of how to do work.”

Students Experience Success in Learning When They Have. . . Choice Time “Choosing from different topics to do a project on.” “Having choice about how to present a project.” “Giving your opinion on an assignment.” “Time to work on different projects – time to practice – having catch up time.” “Having a lot of time because when I get rushed I get stressed out.”

Students Experience Success in Learning When They Have. . . Choice to Work Alone or With Others Calm and Quiet Environment “When I work individually.” “When I can work by myself.” “Working with a partner because we can share good ideas.” “Learning from everyone around me.” “I need a teacher or a partner, but sometimes I need to work by myself.” “I get much more success in learning when I have a quiet and peaceful classroom.” “A quiet environment so I can focus.” “The mindful exercise calms me down so I can think better.” “When my classroom is organized.”

What Interferes With learning? “When people are too loud.” “Interruptions when I’m working.” “Noise makes me mess up in learning really bad.” “Unfinished work, then another assignment comes up – I get a lot of stress.” “Surprise tests.”

Students Are Involved in the Learning Process When They . . . Have Choice Are Actively Engaged “When I get to choose what I want to do.” “By getting choices on projects.” “Being able to choose my partner.” “Being able to choose who I sit beside. My learning in the past has been affected by who I sit beside. Some people are annoying.” “Helping others when they need help.” “Ask lots of questions.” “Give lots of ideas.” “Saying my opinions.” “Volunteering to share my work.” “Having little buddies.”

How Can We Improve Our Class/School? “Opportunities to work with other classes and students.” “More hands on work and projects.” “Open choices to let people decide how they want to show their learning.” “For the teacher to learn more about us.” “Walk-in LST so kids don’t need to leave the classroom to get help.”

What Students Want Us To Know “That everyone has their own speeds of learning.” “The students like it a lot when the teachers get involved with them.” “I like volunteering for things. It helps me to be successful.” “We all work together.” “It’s a nice place with no bullying; that’s the best part. Everyone is super nice and everyone is with a smile and very kind at the same time.” “I think AJ is a really good school and I am glad I moved here. It’s even better than my old one.”