Day 1: Breakout Sessions / Workshops 2

Director of Teaching and Learning

Westbourne Grammar School

The concept of student agency has become increasingly important in education in recent years. Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, make decisions and actively participate in their own education has numerous benefits, including improved academic outcomes and enhanced well-being. This workshop focuses on exploring ways to foster student agency from prep to year 12 and the role that learning spaces can play in supporting this development.

In this workshop, we will examine the importance of creating a learning environment that empowers students to take ownership of their learning. We will explore how learning spaces can be designed to support student agency, including flexible spaces that allow for individual and collaborative learning, and the use of technology to enhance student autonomy.

The workshop will also highlight the importance of teachers and educators in promoting student agency. We will provide examples of classroom practices that encourage student voice, choice, and autonomy, such as student-led conferences and project-based learning. The workshop will also examine the role of assessment and feedback in promoting student agency, including strategies for involving students in the assessment process.

By fostering student agency, we can help create confident, independent learners who are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.