Research Conversations: Promote Student Agency
Author: Leader in Me
March 11, 2025
Summary
In this episode, Kim Yaris and Jennifer Chevalier delve into the importance of fostering student agency as a way to empower learners to take ownership of their education. They explore how intentional strategies can help students build confidence, make decisions, and become self-directed learners.
Key Point 1
Small shifts in teacher language, like asking “What can you try?” instead of offering immediate solutions, can build student confidence and independence.
Key Point 2
Productive struggle and wait time create opportunities for students to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills essential for future success.
Action Steps
Incorporate opportunities for student choice. For example, allowing students to decide how to divide tasks and set deadlines on a group project gives them the space to practice leadership and collaboration while building their sense of agency. Use this staff booster to help faculty members further explore how to develop student agency.
