At the 6th edition of the “What’s Worth Learning” conference, Dr. David Willows and Suzette Parlevliet encouraged us to view learning from a fresh perspective by posing a thought-provoking question: What do we need to unlearn?

As experts in assessing felt experiences, David and Suzette introduced us to a new way of listening to the Avenor community through the Felt Experience Indicator®—a tool they developed and have successfully implemented in schools around the world. Using this research method, we not only gathered valuable feedback but also gained new insights into how to interpret and act on it.

As David said during the conference, “Listening to your community is a sign of institutional kindness.” By collecting feedback, our primary goal is to listen to our community’s voice, ensuring that we continuously foster a balanced educational environment where everyone feels valued. The process is truly complete when we transform feedback into concrete actions.

A Collaborative Process with Valuable Insights

Through our collaboration with [YELLOW CAR], we had the opportunity to conduct in-depth research using an innovative tool that provided us with a clearer understanding of how our community perceives the educational experience. We were thrilled by the overwhelming response to our invitation to participate in this process:

  • 95% of students from grades 5–12 completed the surveys;
  • 83% of Avenor families shared their feedback;
  • 93% of teachers contributed their perspectives;
  • Nearly 100 participants took part in focus groups.

In total, 1,132 completed surveys contributed to a clear picture of what works well and what areas can be improved.

Key Findings

The results were outstanding! Avenor received the highest rating among all schools where the Felt Experience Indicator® has been applied globally, reaffirming the high quality of the educational experience we provide.

One particularly important insight is that our 8th-grade students feel prepared and excited for the next stage of their education—the transition to high school. This is a strong confirmation that the educational environment we have built supports each student’s growth and development in a meaningful way.

Additionally, for each category of participants in the research process—parents, students, and teachers—we identified both the highest and lowest points in their experiences within our school community. The experience map we obtained allows us to better analyze areas of friction and determine where further attention and tailored approaches are needed.

Why Avenor?

We asked parents, students, and teachers: Why did you choose Avenor? Their responses highlighted key reasons:

  • Parents value Avenor’s strong reputation, positive recommendations, and academic excellence. They appreciate the welcoming community, holistic approach to education, and alignment with their family values.
  • Students feel Avenor provides enriching learning opportunities and a supportive, safe environment where they can thrive.
  • Teachers chose Avenor for its alignment with their professional values, opportunities for growth, and a work environment that fosters a true sense of belonging.

Moving Forward

This research not only helped us better understand our community’s experiences but also inspired us to continue building an outstanding educational environment. The results confirm that we are on the right path and that we have the resources to keep growing together.