Opportunities for student researchers to shine

There are opportunities for student researchers in many areas of school life. As schools build their research culture, look out for existing opportunities to add value to students’ learning experiences. This will simultaneously expand the profile of research and introduce more students and staff to its benefits. The Young Entrepreneurs Society at Pymble, known as YES, are an active group of Year 7 to 12 students. Each year, YES organises a Pitch Night where theoretical business projects are presented to and judged by a panel of judges. Many students utilise research methods in their preparation such as focus groups, online surveys and fieldwork observations.

The YES student leaders know to direct their mentees to the Pymble Institute for advice to be given and surveys to be approved in relation to research-based data collection. In the recent round of pitches included a very entrepreneurial venture by two Year 7 students, Ariana Azizmohammad and Anisha Chabra. The students wanted to understand how their peers best liked to learn and they had developed a survey to explore this area. Questions about room design, colours, teachers, homework, music and pre- and post-testing were included. The girls planned to use their information to start a (theoretical) tutoring business but their data gave rich insights into learning preferences of over 200 students.

As well as preparing their pitch, the students were also invited to present to Pymble’s new Deputy Principal – Academic, Christine Kenny. This gave an authentic opportunity to explain their rationale and methodology, as well as their data and recommendations. Using student-generated research for purposes such as bringing voice to student experience is a great use of students’ data and we’ve set two young researchers on an exciting path.