Workshop Overview
Developing Agency in students lays the foundations for future success in learning and life. It is about harnessing the joyous energy and inquisitive nature found in students, allowing them to take the lead in their own learning and develop a belief in themselves as learners that will remain with them for life. When we empower students to drive their own learning, they develop not only invaluable dispositions, skills and knowledge, but also confidence knowing they found success themselves. Agentic students are empowered and self-directed, and have voice, choice, ownership and autonomy. For the educator, supporting students to develop Agency is not laissez-faire and requires a highly complex and dynamic teaching environment that involves an interplay of trust-based relationships, careful thought and planning for instruction, lesson and curriculum design. This workshop looks at the various key elements that contribute to the development of agency. Participants will come away with a better understanding of how agency is embedded in the various elements of an inquiry programme and how structure, rigour, curriculum knowledge and assessment are at its core.