Cultivating Student Agency in the Classroom: A Journey from Control to Empowerment
In a recent podcast conversation with Lisa Burman, a passionate educator and advocate for student agency, several insightful themes were explored that shine a light on the power of agency in both students and teachers. Lisa discusses how fostering agency isn't just about giving students more choice—it begins with teachers feeling empowered in their roles. Here's a detailed narrative summarising the key points from the podcast, offering practical strategies and inspiring ideas for educators.
Teacher Agency as the Foundation for Student Agency
Lisa begins by emphasising the importance of teacher agency as the foundation for student agency. Reflecting on her early career in the 1980s, she recalls a time when teachers had the freedom to design learning experiences tailored to their students' needs. She notes, "Back then, I wasn't just teaching subjects like reading or math; I was teaching readers and mathematicians." This mindset involves viewing students as individuals developing identities as writers, readers, scientists, or mathematicians, rather than merely as learners in specific subjects.
However, Lisa warns that modern educators may be at risk of losing this sense of agency due to increasing pressures and prescriptive educational frameworks. When teachers feel constrained by rigid mandates, they might struggle to provide the student-centred, engaging learning experiences necessary for fostering agency. Therefore, for students to take ownership of their learning, teachers must first reclaim their own sense of professional autonomy.
The Bigger Picture: Education and Democracy
The conversation pivots to how student and teacher agency reflects the democratic values of society. Lisa references Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children's right to have a say in matters affecting them. In classrooms where agency is nurtured, students are encouraged to voice their ideas, access resources, and initiate their own learning.
For true agency to thrive, teachers must feel empowered to make instructional decisions that best serve their students' needs. However, in some educational systems, prescriptive mandates limit teacher choice, dictating specific content and how it should be taught. This lack of teacher agency not only stifles creativity but also diminishes students' ability to develop a sense of control over their learning.
Agency and Wellbeing: Learning from the Pandemic
Agency is closely linked to wellbeing, an idea that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many experienced a profound sense of helplessness due to the restrictions placed on daily life, underscoring the negative impact of a prolonged lack of agency. Similarly, students who are confined to rigid, formulaic teaching methods without opportunities for self-directed learning may become disengaged.
Teachers, therefore, have a crucial role in creating environments where students feel that their choices and voices matter. This sense of agency in learning can enhance students' engagement, motivation, and overall wellbeing.
Leadership's Role in Nurturing Teacher Agency
To cultivate teacher agency, educators need the support of courageous school leaders willing to resist prescriptive educational mandates. Lisa highlights the importance of leaders who hold a strong educational philosophy focused on student-centred learning. These leaders encourage practices like writing workshops where children can explore topics of personal interest, allowing them to find purpose and build identity as writers.
Creating a Culture of Writing to Develop Student Agency
Writing is a powerful tool for fostering student agency. When students write about topics they care about, they are more likely to engage deeply with the process and take ownership of their learning. In contrast, rigid writing programs often result in students writing for the teacher rather than for a wider audience or personal purpose.
This approach does not mean allowing students to do whatever they want. Rather, it involves teachers listening to students' intentions during writing conferences and guiding them toward self-identified goals while keeping educational standards in mind. It's about giving students a sense of ownership while providing thoughtful, intentional instruction.
Small Changes to Promote Agency in Any Environment
Not all teachers work in environments where student agency is the norm. Lisa encourages those in more controlled settings to start with small changes. Focus on what you can control, she advises. This might involve creating more opportunities for students to write about topics they care about, offering flexible seating arrangements, or starting the day with activities that build trust and collaboration.
When introducing a new approach, Lisa suggests taking a professional stance with school leadership. Present the idea as an opportunity for research and professional growth, and invite leaders to participate in the process. This approach shows that the change is aimed at enhancing student learning rather than rebelling against existing practices.
Balancing Student Agency with Instructional Goals
How can teachers balance fostering student agency with meeting curriculum standards? Lisa suggests, "Plan with the child in front of your mind and the curriculum in the back." While teachers should be familiar with curriculum goals, they should start with their students' needs and interests as the primary focus. By involving students in understanding and setting learning goals, teachers can guide them toward meeting educational standards in a more meaningful and self-driven way.
Final Thoughts: Agency is Not a Lack of Structure
Fostering agency does not mean abandoning structure. It's about co-constructing classroom routines and agreements with students. By involving students in setting expectations for learning and behaviour, teachers create an environment where children feel respected, valued, and empowered to take charge of their learning journey.
Tips for Teachers to Foster Student Agency
- Make Curriculum Transparent: Share learning goals with students to foster accountability.
- Build Relationships: Focus on trust-building activities, like read-aloud rituals.
- Create a Culture of Sharing: Encourage students to write about topics they care about and share their work with peers.
- Start Small: Introduce small changes that involve students in decision-making.
- Be Intentional: Use books and discussions to open conversations about values and perspectives.
By focusing on small, deliberate changes and what they can control, teachers can begin to reclaim their sense of agency. This, in turn, helps students become more engaged and self-directed learners. Ultimately, the journey towards cultivating agency is about empowering both teachers and students to take ownership of their learning, leading to more meaningful and effective educational experiences.