Fostering Agency in
Learning

Ideas

IDEA #1: Building a Culture of Agency

"What if we shift our approach to foster a classroom culture characterized by student ownership of learning and investment in their own success?"
—Joseph Pearson

Learning Intention

Creating an environment in the classroom, online space, and wider academic community where students are encouraged and provided with the opportunity to make choices about their learning.

Dynamic and Mindset

  • Evaluate departmental support for agency work in your class.
  • Treat students as partners and active learners in the learning process.
  • Provide genuine encouragement; promote and model self-efficacy.
  • Support students when they initiate agency.

Collaboration

  • Get feedback from colleagues to get and share ideas, successes, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Practice co-agency: balance professor guidance with student agency.
  • Co-create norms or expectations with students.
  • Ask students for input on assignments and adjust when possible.
  • Encourage peer collaboration and learning among students.

Communication

  • Articulate how and why you have infused student agency opportunities into your course.
  • Promote a growth mindset and share that mistakes are a part of learning.
  • Consider engaging with students in action research or community learning projects.

Resources