Students - let your voice be heard on education and win an iPad!

Kent ISD Announces a Student Voice Video Contest

Five iPads and 10 video cameras, plus $250 classroom supply giftcards for teachers are among the prizes* students can win in Kent ISD's Student Voice Video Contest. Through the contest, we are seeking student ideas about ideal learning experiences and how to bring those into classrooms. The contest is open to any student in a Kent ISD high school. Deadline for the 2-minute videos is June 1, at Kent ISD's Educational Service Center.

Contest judges will include educators, media experts and other students. Winning videos will be shown at the awards ceremony in late June, featured on a new website highlighting the voice of students in education, and on our media partner - HOT-FM's website. The contest is supported by the Secondary Re-design Committee of our local superintendents, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and a youth initiative grant. See below for contest details.

(*prizes funded with a private foundation grant)

Contest Rules

Videos must be the original work directed, filmed and edited by one individual. Assistance from a professional production company is not permitted. Help from friends and family is fine, but only one prize will be awarded for a prize-winning video. Any high school student in a Kent ISD school (see list at right) is eligible to submit a video. One entry per student and entries become the property of Kent ISD...
Complete Contest Rules

Entry Form

Official Contest Entry form and Release Statement

What We're Looking For in the Student Voice Video Contest

We're looking for your ideas, your thinking, your perspective about ideal learning experiences and how to bring those into classrooms. The caliber of your ideas is much more important to us than ultimate video production effects. A thoughtful, passionate student speaking to a video camera has as good a chance at winning as an expertly-crafted production. Just keep it positive - a showcase for your great ideas.

The Question:

Students, tell us how you learn - and show us how that works!  We want to know.  We want to hear your ideas.  How can we do teaching and learning in different ways you'll enjoy?

We know: Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, whatever.

No, really.  Are you a visual learner?  Learn best by seeing, writing, using timelines, pictures on the board?          Maybe you're an auditory learner. Prefer small-group discussion, presentations, audio books, rehearsing new things out loud?           Or maybe you're a tactile/kinesthetic learner, somebody who thrives on hands-on activities, experiments, role play, field trips.

Fine. Spell it out for us. In fact, show us (we're pretty visual ourselves).

Here's the pitch: Kent ISD wants you to submit a short video about great ways to learn. How would school be if it happened just like you think it should?

We're looking for the best 2-minute videos students can come up with -- for the keys to ideal ways to learn. We think maybe you've got a set.

Not sure where to start but know you've got something worth saying?  Take a look at these three idea-starters to help you get thinking...

1

Remember when the entire world was so exciting ...
when learning happened naturally, when you were so excited when you mastered new things, learned new skillsand discovered new abilities?

How could we do this in schools? What could spark students' curiosity? How do we engage all students?

2

Think about a time you worked really hard on something that you eventually achieved. Maybe you practiced and practiced a physical or musical skill. Maybe you spent hours trying to understand a complex science or math concept. Maybe it was hours researching an idea or a person to gain an insider view. Whatever it was, you worked hard and you did it! You stretched yourself and emerged different from when you began. And you learned and felt that rush of pride and accomplishment. And you still remember it.

Now - how could you inspire more of that kind of learning in high school?

3

There was a time when we all loved learning. How can we rekindle yours? Your friends' and neighbors'?

We look forward to your great ideas!