Listening to pupils: developing mutually respectful teacher-pupil relationships to enhance pupils' learning

This chapter focuses on the importance of listening to children and young people in schools and developing mutually respectful teacher-pupil relationship. The key principles underpinning the chapter are grounded in children’s rights, specifically their right to express their views in matters that affect them. Consideration is given to what this right means in practice, and an outline of legislation within England which supports children’s rights to express their views in schools in provided. The chapter discusses the benefits of listening to pupils from both the pupils’ and the teachers’ perspectives. These benefits are exemplified through the inclusion of examples of how knowledge gained by teachers through listening to pupils’ and developing insights into their opinions, needs and preferences can help to inform teacher’s future planning and pedagogical approaches. Listening to pupils in schools involves teachers encouraging pupils to voice their opinions and providing opportunities for pupils to be active participants in their learning. Throughout the chapter, factors to consider to support the creation of an inclusive, listening environment are outlined, along with specific ‘listening’ strategies which can be employed by teachers in primary schools.