Reflection on Learner Agency - Judy-Anne

We discussed learner agency during lunch and felt that it is about the learner having some control over what they are learning, why and how they are learning it. It could involve being able to access help to improve and sometimes  may even mean choosing not to improve on what they currently know.

The teacher can help in a number of ways for different learners and purposes. It may be necessary to tell why something is being learnt, and to show learners that there are different ways of learning and to help them discover the best way for them. They may need to discover for themselves that they learn different things in different ways. The teacher can model that they are a learner too. Also there needs to be an environment where risk taking and making mistakes is valued.

• Foster a desire to learn and grow, develop excitement about all things new.
• Show how each subject necessary in life.
• Goal setting.
• choice of themes or activities.
• Wait time.
• Questions that encourage self reflection, How did you go? What went well? What do you need to do next time? How can you improve?... etc.
•  Learning Intentions and Success criteria.
• Model different ways to learn
• Model making mistakes
• "Talk alouds" for your thinking and processing
• Foster an environment that encourages mistakes and risk taking