Abstract: Twenty-first century learners have incredibly diverse learning interests, needs and aspirations. Engaging
middle school students and sculpting successful, confident and creative learners is a constant endeavour for educators.
This paper reports on a mixed methods case study conducted in a South Australian Middle School, which explored how
teachers and students acted as collaborative learning designers, while creating an innovative approach to curriculum,
pedagogy, and assessment in their classrooms. The research also explored how the “co-design” approach, supported by
technological tools, contributed to engagement and learning outcomes for middle school students. Data was collected
using multiple participatory design methods, including co-design workshops, observation, focus group evaluations and
collection of design artefacts. Data analysis was informed by a layered approach to positive discourse analysis. The
implications of this research show that students can and will act as capable and creative co-designers of their learning.
This is most effective for engagement when educators involve students in planning the curriculum in areas of interest, and
a pedagogy that enables choice, autonomy and “active knowledge making.” Moreover, when educators inspire,
challenge and stretch each student in their classroom, they can achieve beyond what they thought possible before.
Keywords: Curriculum and Pedagogy, Student Engagement, Mixed Methodology Participatory Design