Your comment -
What constitutes a high agency classroom?
Note: This page is also used in a different, related PD.
What does a class of high-agency students look like?
How do they operate?
How radically different are they to teach compared to students with low (or no) agency?
What are your takeaways from this module?
Some past comments ...
Samuel Rogers
In my mind, high agency within the classroom manifests itself as a class comprising of independent and highly motivated students. However, I do believe that the freedoms which are required for high agency are only possible once clear expectations and routines have been established. Richard Exactly! And the challenge is to achieve 'clear expectations and routines' through a relational, not dictatorial way. If that makes sense. Ange Neale
Engagement looks like 'fun'. Young people are talking, sharing ideas, and have a desire to learn because they have discovered or linked something. There is a 'buzz' in the room that is unstoppable. The teacher is a part of the learning...knowledge is being co-constructed as we all pull problems apart together. There is talk about how we are learning, not just what we are learning. Richard I love this Ange: talking, sharing ideas ... a desire to learn ... they have discovered or linked something ... a 'buzz' in the room ... teacher is a part of the learning ... knowledge is co-constructed ... brilliant. |
Will Martinez
A high level of student agency within the classroom ensures the learning is as organic as possible. It allows students to explore, investigate, communicate, question and conjecture. In this kind of environment students not only grow as problem solvers but also build their self-confidence and self-esteem. Establishing a purposeful learning environment where students are respectful and feel respected is crucial. As others have commented, relationships and creating that feeling of safety withing the classroom are important in helping shape the culture. Richard Spot on, Will! Tom Sowden
If students are active participants in the learning they are engaged. This is not necessarily writing things down, because we can copy without engaging. Students being required to think (and for that to be made visible) is one way that students can be engaged. Richard Exactly. I truly believe Tom, that the full truth of this eludes many teachers ... that the foundation for all (authentic) engagement and student agency is active learning ... which includes students having a sense of control over activities. Food for thought .. |