The idea of shadowing a student never gets old. This is one of the best ways to really understand, and empathize with, the student experience. 

"The shadowing experience is an exercise in empathy. It is about feeling what it is like to live as the student does. How does it feel to be a student? What is their favorite moment in the day? When are they uncomfortable or bored? When does their learning feel connected to the real world? When are there different opportunities for different students? What opportunities do they have for thinking, collaboration, and communication?"

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/02/shadow-a-student-reinventing-school/