Learner Agency
Welcome to the Learner Agency Online Training Module!
A simple definition of learner agency is student learners taking action to achieve learning more independently.
Learner Agency Objectives:
The learner will become capable of independent thought and action. The learner will hold themselves accountable based on their own data.
- Agency involves the initiative or self-regulation of the learner (self guided)
- Agency is interdependent (collaboration)
- Agency includes an awareness of the responsibility of one's own actions on the environment and on others
- Goal setting - taking an outcome and breaking down the steps to get there
- Using a data tracker - holding themselves accountable
While completing this module, teachers think about changing your role to be more of a coach allowing students to take control of their own learning.
Directions for this module-
Complete the 5 task below in order and then reflect on your learning by completing the reflection form.
First Task: Pre-Assessment
Complete the Learning Agency Pre-Assessment Survey before you begin this self paced course.
UNDERSTANDING THE STANDARD-"A Think About"
- Agency involves the initiative or self-regulation of the learner. Before a learner can exercise agency in their particular learning context they must have a belief that their behavior and their approach to learning is actually going to make a difference for them in the learning in that setting.
- Agency is interdependent. It mediates and is mediated by the sociocultural context of the classroom.
- Agency includes an awareness of the responsibility of one's own actions on the environment and on others. Every decision a learner makes, and action she or he takes, will impact on the thinking, behavior or decisions of others.
- Teachers need to conference with their students - high expectations
- Parents need to be involved
- Read this article by Mindshift How Can Students Self Assess When Teachers Do all the Grading and Work?
Second Task:
TLW be able to reflect on the video watched. To get you started, watch this video on Learner Agency- a Teacher's Reflection.
ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDINGS
- Learners have the power to act
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PROCESSES
To be successful with this standard, learners are expected to
- Self regulate
- Be actively involved
- Be interdependent
- Collaborate
- Use data effectively
- Understand there are consequences for their decisions and actions
- Be responsible for actions on the environment
- Be responsible for actions on others
Third Task-
TLW be able to reflect on skills needed to achieve learning independently. Please complete the form about essential skills as they relate to learners.
Reimagine the Learning in Your Classroom:
Click here for a PDF Version of the Chart
Use this chart as a reference, to reimagine the learning in your classroom and how learner agency and personalized learning have a connection. To put it simply, learner agency gives students voice and often, choice, in how they learn.
I have permission from Barbara Bray to use and share this chart.
Fourth Task:
TLW be able to reflect on the videos watched. The following playlist has 7 videos that center around leaner agency. To access the playlist, click on the menu icon in the top left corner.
As you watch the videos, think about how you could reimagine your classroom and what you could do to give your students more control of their learning.
1. Watch at least 3 of the 7 videos.
2. Fill out the Video Reflection Form .
Fifth Task:
TLW be able to reflect on the resources available. Review at least 2 of the resource links on the right and fill out the Resource Reflection Form . Think about things you can do differently in your classroom as you read.
Conclusion to the Learner Agency Module:
Now that you have completed the task in this module, reflect on your learning. Complete the Learner Agency Reflection
