TL;DR: Learner agency empowers students through student voice, choice, innovation, and authentic tasks, allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Teachers can create opportunities for learner agency by implementing strategies such as project-based learning, arts education, communication, problem-solving, and reflection. Learner agency enables students to set goals, reflect on their progress, and transfer their understanding in new situations, developing … Read More
Developing Agency in Students
TL;DR: As educators and parents, we need to develop agency in our kids. Help them set goals to work towards. Give them opportunities for independence. Build their self-confidence. The start of a new school year is a very exciting time for students, teachers, and parents. For many, it’s a bustling time for last-minute summer fun activities. In addition, preparations are … Read More
Do Something | Sascha Heckmann | Art of Corrections
In Don’t @ Me (2:04), Tom opens by sharing a personal mantra he uses when the to-do list is piling up and the workload is relentless. Then, Tom is joined by Sascha Heckmann (10:25) who is the Assistant Superintendent for Innovation & Learning at the American School Foundation of Monterrey, Mexico. Finally, in Assessment Corner (45:38), Tom discusses the art … Read More
Waiting to Have “Those Conversations” Is Hurting Students
In This Post The importance of conversations about our students’ futures. Helping our classrooms become avenues for discovering passion & practical uses for it! Using your content to help students find their futures. Growing up, learning was a struggle. I moved throughout my day feeling as if I was walking through a fog of confusion. While most of my classes … Read More
Dear Desk, It’s Not You, It’s Me: Promoting Student Agency
In This Post: After removing a desk from our learning space, my students reacted with excitement. My realization was that I was too focused on how I saw things, and not on how THEY see them. This lead to 5 pedagogical shifts to promote student agency. In a lonely corner of an elementary classroom stood an oversized wooden desk. Its … Read More