Our Rights, Our Story - Funky Dragon

E D U C A T I O N
Figure 15
The qualitative data which we have gathered allows us to see some of the suggestions
which young people have for improving teaching methods. Generally, when asked what they
would do if they were head teacher, many young people answered that they would simply
‘make it more fun’. More specific suggestions for improvement were to make lessons more
‘active’ and ‘practical’, as these lessons would be more ‘memorable’. A number of young
people also highlighted the need for greater interaction between pupils and teachers during
lessons, so that pupils are more actively involved in their own learning.
"I would make all lessons physical and energetic and fun"
(Sam, aged 14 from Ceredigion)
There has been a wealth of research over the last 10 years, stating that different people
have different ways of learning, and that some styles of teaching are better suited to certain
individuals than others. Therefore it is reasonable to suggest that in a school setting, a variety
of teaching methods should be employed in order to meet the needs of the wide range of
young people. Article 29 of the Convention states that children and young people have a
right to an education which is:
‘directed to the development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical
abilities to their fullest potential’.
Our research suggests that for almost a 1/3 of young people this is not happening.
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