A student listening circle encourages students to share with adults their experiences and ideas on an important school topic and to collaborate in planning and implementing school improvement practices.

This report describes a randomized controlled trial that examined whether participation in a listening circle affects students’ perceptions of their:

  • Influence on school improvement efforts
  • Sense of being connected to school staff, peers, and the school as a whole
  • Perceived competency for improving the school
  • Sense of academic self-efficacy

One key finding: There was little change in students’ perceptions, while staff participants perceived improvements in student competencies and had more trust in students and belief in their abilities.

Visit the Short-Term Impacts of Student Listening Circles on Student Perceptions of School Climate and of Their Own Competencies resource page to learn more and to download your copy.