The Power of Student Voice: Why Writing Still Matters in Today’s IM World

In today’s fast-paced world, students have many ways to express themselves—through social media, videos, memes, and instant messaging. Yet, one skill remains essential: writing. Writing empowers students to express their ideas thoughtfully, reflect on important issues, and engage in meaningful conversations.

As educators, we know writing is far more than just a method to complete assignments. It’s a way for students to clarify their thoughts, organize their arguments, and contribute to the world around them. Developing strong writing skills is crucial, not just for academic success but for personal growth and civic participation.

Writing Provides Structure for Thinking

Writing gives students the chance to express their opinions in a clear, structured way. While they may be comfortable sharing thoughts informally through conversations or social media, writing challenges them to think critically about what they want to say and how they’ll say it. (Including sentence structure, grammar, and many other skills not normally practiced while instant messaging!)

Whether through persuasive essays, creative writing, or research papers, students learn to communicate their ideas effectively. For instance, a persuasive essay on a current event encourages them to explore multiple perspectives and build a strong argument. In creative writing, students can delve into their emotions and develop empathy. No matter the form, writing helps students engage deeply with their own thoughts.

Engage with Important Issues

Writing also connects students to real-world issues. With so many complex topics shaping the world—immigration, minimum wage, censorship and cancel culture…—it’s more important than ever that students engage thoughtfully. Writing about these issues pushes them to research, reflect, and form their own opinions.

By assigning real-world topics, educators can help students connect classroom learning with the broader world. Writing doesn’t just help them understand these issues—it encourages them to actively participate in important conversations about the numerous challenges we face.

Civic Engagement

Writing has always been a powerful tool for civic engagement. Whether it’s a letter to a representative, an opinion piece, or a social media post, writing allows students to participate in public discourse. Students who learn to express their views through writing are better equipped to advocate for causes they care about and make a difference in their communities.

From arguing for policy changes to championing social justice, writing helps students channel their passions into action. When they see that their words can influence others and spark change, they begin to recognize the full power of their voice.

Purposeful Writing – Essay Contests as a Tool

The opportunity to write for a real-world purpose brings an entire new level to student voice. When students know that there is an audience beyond “just their teacher,” it provides additional motivation. (Prizes can also motivate!)

Essay contests are a great method to provide real-world purpose for student writing. Our Stossel in the Classroom essay contest is a prime example, a great opportunity for students to write about important issues and win cash prizes. There are four essay prompts from which students can choose.

 Teachers can also win prizes for having students participate! (Does that motivate you? We hope so!) 

For more information about rules and prizes, check out https://stosselintheclassroom.org/essay-contest/. Want to see some of our prior winners in action? Check out the video Outlawing Price Gouging.

Want to find more writing contests for your students? Here’s a place to start: https://www.indigoresearch.org/blog/writing-contests-high-school-students 

By supporting students in their writing journeys, we’re not just helping them succeed academically—we’re helping them grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens who can contribute to the world around them.