Building Student Agency in the Classroom at Pacific

To create powerful learning experiences that prepare students for the future, we must give them agency over their learning. Greater agency leads to more engaged, confident, and capable students who are ready to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

Given the learning expectations that teachers need to fulfill each year, it can be hard to see how giving students more voice and freedom of choice is possible with so much content to teach. However, there are ways to build student agency, starting small and expanding as both teachers and students get more comfortable with this approach to teaching and learning.

At Pacific allowing students to choose how they will demonstrate their knowledge or understanding is one important aspect of agency. Before offering students choice, it is crucial that we help them reflect on how they learn best. They need the background knowledge and information to make informed choices, especially if greater agency is something they don’t have much experience with.

We ask students to reflect on how they like to take in new information—do they like to read, listen to audio, watch videos, etc.? Helping them understand how they learn best can guide them in how to demonstrate their knowledge in the classroom. We also know that it’s helpful for students to see examples of past work to spark their creativity, so they know what’s possible.

Giving students agency in how they will be assessed is another important way to build their confidence and help them understand their strengths. Giving students clear expectations and communicating how they will be assessed sets them up for success in both self-reflection and giving and receiving feedback.

Helping students develop greater self-awareness around their learning strengths and challenges is a crucial aspect of building agency. Students should have an accurate picture of where they are on their learning journey and what steps they need to take next.

When students know their strengths and areas of growth, this gives them the power and confidence to direct their own learning. They have a clear idea of where they are and a vision for their future. Self-reflection is a skill that can be practiced, and one that students will use throughout their lives. 

Greater agency in the classroom is the starting point for helping our students become independent, successful adults who actively work to make the world a better place. Students who take ownership of their learning develop the confidence, strength, and self-awareness to succeed in their future careers.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5