#plearnchat Archive
Topics focus on personalized learning, learner agency, changing culture, voice and choice, and strategies to transform teaching and learning. Join us in the conversations because your voice matters!
Monday December 14, 2015
Hi Everyone! This is Barbara from Oakland, CA w looking forward to exciting convos on Learner Agency with and YOU!
Hi everyone, I am Jim Rickabaugh, director of the Institute for Personalized Learning. Great to be here.
Jason Ellingson, Collins-Maxwell Iowa superintendent
Kathleen McClaskey, Co-founder of Personalize Learning from Amherst, NH excited to have convos about Agency!
Shelly from Toronto; Instructional Coach
Charity Dodd, Battelle for Kids, Columbus OH. Excited for this chat!
Yeah Jason so glad you joined and today Welcome! https://t.co/McxhPJ6YkQ
Jason Ellingson, Collins-Maxwell Iowa superintendent
Hi Jason, good to have you here.
Greetings and happy holidays Angelo, PD Leader from Long Island, NY.
TY Jim 4 co-moderating on Learner Agency. We really enjoyed collaborating on blog series https://t.co/lKBOkchVEs
Hi everyone, I am Jim Rickabaugh, director of the Institute for Personalized Learning. Great to be here.
Welcome, Jason, Charity, Shelley, Angelo and our co-moderator
Kimberly with Stretch Education in CA - looking forward to the discussion!
Welcome Shelly for joining us today in convos on Learner Agency we & https://t.co/DJK3L4O9Vj
Shelly from Toronto; Instructional Coach
Hello, I am Mike Mohammad for Brookfield Central High School in Elmbrook School District, ben a while since I've chated
Welcome Angelo Glad that you jumped into the convos on Learner Agency w in https://t.co/g1rJn1Klp4
Greetings and happy holidays Angelo, PD Leader from Long Island, NY.
Welcome Mike, Sarah and Mike for joining and tonight!
Wendy Weiner from South Florida. Principal of
Welcome Mike Glad you are back - this is on Learner Agency and need your voice in https://t.co/ixmZZavaDo
Hello, I am Mike Mohammad for Brookfield Central High School in Elmbrook School District, ben a while since I've chated
A1. Agency is learner belief in the power to control and influence life outcomes, including learning.
. Hello friends--here for a bit to hear Jim's wisdom
A1: LA is about Ss making choices that lead to learning through constructing; makes a difference & leads to growth/awareness
Student agency is students responsible for their learning through voice and choice based on passions and interests
Hey looking forward to jumping in on the conversation on
Hi Mike. Good to have you here.
A1: is the initiative and capacity to act in a way that produces meaningful change in oneself or the environment.
A1: contributes to cognitive processes & Ss passions & interests; developing skills
Join all of us in as co-moderates on the topic of Learner Agency! https://t.co/iDL1V2YhB5
. Hello friends--here for a bit to hear Jim's wisdom
Good points, Jason. Key is the feeling of responsibility and possibility.
A1: is the initiative and capacity to act in a way that produces meaningful change in oneself or the environment.
Hi So glad you jumped in - we are excited that is here w on Learner Agency https://t.co/kr7ST9vK7M
. Hello friends--here for a bit to hear Jim's wisdom
A1: Learner agency is taking action towards learning, taking ownership, being responsible for one's own learning.
A1 student having a voice and choice in what they learn and when
Good evening! Chris from London, Ontario. First-timer. 😊
A1: focus on Ss voice & choice; has basis w/ Piaget
Hi Rose! Great to have you here!
A1. How can there b learning w/o S engagemnt which = I have a say - what I think, say or do can make a difference.
A1 "agency = I can make choices and act on these choices to make difference in my life" from a student reflection
A1: The learner's motivation and power to act on knowing what they need to learn and knowing how to get what they need to learn
Welcome Chris for joining us for your first time in on jump into convos https://t.co/Coiwz34MEv
Good evening! Chris from London, Ontario. First-timer. 😊
A1: When a learner directs and drives their learning & can monitor their own progress is when they have agency.
Important observation, Christopher. Active, engaged, searching are all good descriptors.
. To me, agency is beyond choice and voice, it is more about a kid making decisions-- develops over time to independence
Welcome Derek so glad you jumped in to and on - yes voice/choice https://t.co/1F2g51JauX
A1 student having a voice and choice in what they learn and when
Q2 is coming up in 1 minute!
Good points. Agency includes self-efficacy and capacity to act.
Yes Charity so true! it is about learner's motivation - driving learning - glad you are in https://t.co/zMGiaOJbfL
A1: The learner's motivation and power to act on knowing what they need to learn and knowing how to get what they need to learn
A1: Ss owning more of the learning, S voice being supported, S choice driving learning activities and T instruction.
Yes, and that's truly the foundation for education.
A1: ability to self-regulate?
A1: Learner agency is the student's belief that THEY are in the driver's seat for their learning
Yes is developing independence - self-directing learning https://t.co/f2LrlWAvhz
. To me, agency is beyond choice and voice, it is more about a kid making decisions-- develops over time to independence
Thanks for joining in the convos! Yes, ability to self-regulate and more.
A2: Students don't know they have a voice until they know it has been heard
A1: Learner's awareness, power, responsibility, and self-reflection on the subject/learning
A1: Trying to gain a better understanding of autonomy agency and ownership. Are there key differences?
seems extremely related to growth mindset
A2. Agency provides a reason to commit, risk and persist in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Yeah Kimberly is here in So glad you jumped in - yes they are driving their learning https://t.co/ygK7YlhRCB
A1: Learner agency is the student's belief that THEY are in the driver's seat for their learning
A1: As a result, sometimes Ss are empowered to take positive social action in their communities.
Yes! self-regulation can propel confidence, ownership...maybe locus of control is tied in too.
A2 S's realize that you trust they hve the capacity to think for themselves, overcome obstacles that may b slowing them down.
A2: Education MUST be about the learner; to help them grow, we must know them. They must know themselves.
voice and choice can simply be differentiation-- personalized learning stretches that to k-12 systemic
I like that comment. So true.
Agreed Rose. Agency is action focused and confidence driven.
A2: it fosters engagement and allows students to develop skills that allow them to be life-long learners instead of passive Ls
A2: allows to develop skills like independence, thinking, & self assessing, setting goals, monitoring, etc..
A2: To help Ss become life-long learners and critical thinkers. To own their EDUcation
Welcome Luis. so glad you joined us today - yes - self-regulation is what is https://t.co/euZe4Ddtsq
A1: ability to self-regulate?
A2: Ss learn they can make a difference & their opinions matter!
Hi, Adam from Bangkok, HS bio teacher, able to stop by before Ss sit midterms :)
By fostering agency we are opening doors - inviting inquiry, empowering ownership, prep-ing Ss for authentic future success
Thanks Barbara. Excellent resource.
A2: Learners need to know how to advocate for themselves. The workplace is ever-changing, learners need to be able to adapt
So true Feeling you are the one in control of your learning - wouldn't that be wonderful? https://t.co/5YFxyEl6pV
Yes! self-regulation can propel confidence, ownership...maybe locus of control is tied in too.
A2 It helps students develop strengths and passions and not always be working on deficits
Yes, a reason to commit; S realizes this is not about satisfying other, the learning is for me.
Hi Tsisana so glad you jumped in - we need your voice on in https://t.co/EJcAcZ9xMP
A2: To help Ss become life-long learners and critical thinkers. To own their EDUcation
A2: right, we r not always going to be around. Must foster independence, self determination.
Learner agency = the learner is the agent of change (and growth)
A2 Nurturing learner agency helps them to become lifelong learners
Welcome Adam for joining us - definitely would like to hear your voice on agency in https://t.co/NXbGgb7nsc
Hi, Adam from Bangkok, HS bio teacher, able to stop by before Ss sit midterms :)
Thank you, Barbara! Happy to see you!
I think that you are correct, Lisa. Self-regulation plays a role. Locus of control is key.
Excellent point that the learner is the agent of their own change and growth
A2: Ss develop independence, self-regulation, stronger sense of self-worth, courage to take risks, joy of learning.
A2: Need to ensure learners are not dependent on others for their learning..
a2: self advocacy is key for transition.
A1 The ability of Ss to act purposefully in their lives & activities
“: Hi, Adam from Bangkok, HS bio teacher, able to stop by before Ss sit midterms :) Welcome,Adam!
Yes Luis that's it - must foster independence - we're not always around. Thank you https://t.co/qICWo02nCA
A2: right, we r not always going to be around. Must foster independence, self determination.
Love the points that yo unmake here about learners especially joy of learning
Learner agency begins with the learner in Q3
A2: In the competing workplace, we must have the agency to learn and grow to remain competitive and innovative.
Very true, Jason. The term agency focuses on the learner as the agent of action.
A2 : Students understand and articulate their contributions to the learning process
Yes! Adam so learning is meaningful and they can make a difference - love this! https://t.co/iCvnRToPmB
A1 The ability of Ss to act purposefully in their lives & activities
True! Ss are headed into a future of constant change - they'll need to navigate on their own
self direction and personalized learning go together-- college and career readiness
A3: trust them & listen closely
A2 Ss can learn skills that apply 2 their future career, but also 2 their personal life & pass this on 4 generations 2 come
A3: Watch them; ask them; learn from and with them; protect them from 'dulling' forces.
A3. Get to know the learner. Look for talent. Believe it is there and you will find it.
. love the idea of self-advocacy - need to write about that - anyone? anyone? https://t.co/fj8jvGEEfo
a2: self advocacy is key for transition.
Agency can also make it more likely we can experience Flow, get lost in what we r doing.
Developing that sense of trust can be pivotal when it comes to S learning success.
Thanks, Luis! Being an independent learner is crucial!
A3: talk to them! Engage in community circle, team building games, & interest inventories. What are they passionate about?
A3 This question is so relevant to my day today..... hmmm help them feel their ideas are valued?
A3: Build relationships with learners, let them know you care, talk with them.
A3: look for Ss talents & find opportunities to grow these
A3: start by asking probing Qs; engaging in inquiry.
A3 Give Ss choice wherever possible in terms of tools used / end products made etc
A3: allow Ss to explore their passions. Make learning authentic so that Ss are contributing to a greater good.
A3: Have the learner use the UDL lens so they understand how they learn and have them tell their story about how they learn
A3: engage them in the planning, not just the doing.
A3: I'd have Ss 'show off' a skill or talent to rest of class; ask Qs & have a discussion
Thank you for this resource
Thank you for mentioning universal design of learning (UDL)!
A3 I love the PLP document in Make Learning Personal. Framed via UDL Lens. So Powerful
A3: Talk to them, build relationships, help personalize learning to their needs and interests.
Q3: Need to offer diverse opportunities for success. Think Mult. intellig. Theory merged w/PBL .offer choices 4topics when poss.
Yes - Derek So important to give opps to explore passions - make learning authentic https://t.co/tgyTWZ77Oz
A3: allow Ss to explore their passions. Make learning authentic so that Ss are contributing to a greater good.
Love this! Sometimes learners aren't sure about their passions and need a chance to explore! https://t.co/YLSFMfT5zW
A3: allow Ss to explore their passions. Make learning authentic so that Ss are contributing to a greater good.
Two important elements as starting points for success.
Really like the idea of flow!
Yes, more so than most realize.We need to look for those pivotal moments-that's w!n learning soars!
A3: UDL is so important for LA!
A3: Learning is about making connections - in the brain and with the heart.
A3: Ask questions and empathize with Ss. Allow them to learn from each other and show them their voice has value!
competency is all about 'show me that you know it' - they can do it with passion and inquiry
UDL is the key to understand learners and for learners to understand themselves so they self advocate
Thanks Mike Wait 'til you see our new book on how around UDL lens :o) next fall https://t.co/qshzB5ZVn0
A3 I love the PLP document in Make Learning Personal. Framed via UDL Lens. So Powerful
A3: By nurturing, listening, observing... not shutting down and making speak or think when told...
A3. Teach, then step back. Don't b afraid of the quiet, the hesistance or uncertainty. Allow space for learner to emerge.
Thank you. Worried about characters. :)
Yes Chris When you are in "flow" you push yourself to want to learn more - fully engaged https://t.co/yNk98HFGPu
Really like the idea of flow!
Hello Kathleen! Thank you for sharing these UDL principles - very valuable!
Beautiful Angelo It's so tough for Ts to step back but so important https://t.co/pKinpB69eD
A3. Teach, then step back. Don't b afraid of the quiet, the hesistance or uncertainty. Allow space for learner to emerge.
. Agreed Derek, peer-teaching is v useful, esp with ELLs
Thanks Mike for sharing this. Using the UDL lens works for all learners
So true ! A simple pause can lead to powerful awakenings!
In the best of world's it is "our goal."
A3: Allow Ss to solve real problems that matter to them, develop , provide an authentic audience, voice/choice
Great point about giving choices - allows Ss think, evaluate, and engage on a different level!
LIFT is new to me. thank you for sharing !
Love the idea of space, then again I went to Quaker school: plenty of space there.
A4: Learner voice gives ownership to learning that leads to agency!
Thx Barbara, yes it is tough but doable with daily mindfulness and practice.
They are doing demos this week. I highly recommend checking it out
A4: What we say and how we say it are so connected to who we are; by honoring the voice, we honor the learner.
A4: Here is an excellent resource on learner voice: Learner Voice - A Handbook from FutureLab https://t.co/DRMeAdpeOR
A4. Voice conveys respect & inclusion. Invitation to invest, take responsibility & own learning.
YES, absolutely. So let's all agree to use our PAUSE button more often :)
A3: one way I have my Ss organize: learn, be, do
A4: gain self esteem & confidence;
Honoring the voice - Wow! that's great Jason Thank you! https://t.co/BeUitW66Tz
A4: What we say and how we say it are so connected to who we are; by honoring the voice, we honor the learner.
Russ, Principal in FL. A3: Building relationships w/ Ss. Allow for S choice, encourage the heart, don't confine their learning.
A3: Take the time to listen, observe and learn as the T...you'll be amazing what you discover! 😊
A4: Learners feel they matter, evaluate their decisions, take responsibility, and learn from own mistakes...
A4: Giving voice to learners will allow them to own their learning.
Love the points you made here about voice that it conveys respect and inclusion
A4 Giving Ss voice = more engagement, & thus Ss are able to accept & act on more responsibilty for their learning
Yes Jim Voice is invitation to invest and take responsibility of learning TY - https://t.co/9eMUnjmqpe
A4. Voice conveys respect & inclusion. Invitation to invest, take responsibility & own learning.
A4: Ss become true advocates for their learning and Ts become facilitators/coaches in the learning process.
A4: it's S centred; they are doing & being active! They feel their opinions matter b/c there's more than one answer
A4: Agency (and social context) is critical to enable and support learner voice, motivation, and engagement.
Hello Chris! Good to see you! Listening and observing are the key skills for Ts. Great reminder!
A4. Voice helps build self-efficacy, a feeling of "I am capable".
Welcome Russell Thank you 4 joining us & jumping into convos on https://t.co/2wNDHKEqlN
Russ, Principal in FL. A3: Building relationships w/ Ss. Allow for S choice, encourage the heart, don't confine their learning.
A4: very important today esp for math! Working on a few things
A4: If a S speaks up & impacts their peers, teacher, or the learning process itself, that is a powerful first step toward agency
A4: Giving learners voice motivates them, lets them know you care about what is relevant to them.
A4: As librarian, I helped Ss launch a student-led magazine. Started w/5 staff > now 30 via https://t.co/YKOxrvS7Py
Q5 unlocks the keys to agency
A4: Doesn't make them feel like something is being done to them but rather they are doing it
A4: Student feedback board= voice 2 those not willing 2 speak up verbally & teacher action steps too https://t.co/iQSgGvBAh1
Certainly an important connection. When voice is respected and valued agency can result.
Yes - it's that "I can" feeling and that feeling of accomplishment that builds confidence https://t.co/fClguqcB9C
A4. Voice helps build self-efficacy, a feeling of "I am capable".
A5: I don't and can't own your agency.
A5: Ss are motivated intrinsically. They want to do better and strive to do so.
Glad you could joins us to share your incredible research and visuals about learners
Have to step out...Thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiration! Will check the archives for Qs 5 & 6.
A5.Ownership/independence: outgrowth of agency-lets learners see learning as something they do for selves.
A5: Learners should feel the value and pride of learning what they want and need; it's what matters to them
thanks - your ’s are always interesting and informative!
A4 When tchrs give lrners a voice they are like Glinda the Good Witch & show lrners they have had the power all along
Agreed! Every T would benefit from a cognitive psych class :) These constructs remain true across time!
A5: we won't be around forever; Ss will move on. We need to give them skills to be able to navigate world & their growth
A5: S voice and choice becomes the culture of the classroom/school.
Thanks for joining us - Tsisana Palmer always enjoy your voice in the convos https://t.co/4g9qwaCm4q
Have to step out...Thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiration! Will check the archives for Qs 5 & 6.
A5 Learners can only exercise agency if they own their own learning
Inspiring that "I can" feeling is what educ's need to focus on, thus it's become the main thrust of my work.
A: Ownership and independence leads to confidence for learners to set goals and take steps towards reaching their goals.
A5: Ss see themselves as capable, empowered learners with limitless possibilities for growth and learning.
A5: they need to be able to think, learn, & make adjustments based on what's happening & what learning
So true. Ss do so much more than I would ask of them because they are so motivated.
This is the best legacy as a teacher!
Yes they do Lisa. I can attest to that. :)
Yes! The key value is "what matters to them."
So glad you said that Adam now you own it :o) https://t.co/ofXovugaIt
A5 Learners can only exercise agency if they own their own learning
A5: Learning should be FOR them, not TO them.
I truly believe this; we can't spoon feed Ss; they need to learn to solve problems by developing necessary skills
A5; if Ss don't own their learning it's just something they do to avoid consequences but when they own it they learn to learn
I am so enjoying our w on - amazing convos w outstanding educators from all over - WOW!!!
This is an excellent graphic - it shows how much room we have to grow!
Discussing the learners and sharing examples in Q6
Indeed! An amazing group!
Thanks Kimberly so lucky that created graphic on Continuum of Choice https://t.co/LyOpt1nC3z
This is an excellent graphic - it shows how much room we have to grow!
A5 Teachers must not chauffeur their learners. No one can drive their learning from the backseat.
Does this chat meet at a regular time ? Weekly? monthly? outstanding focus, Questions and group!
A6: Worked with a S on addition. He was having difficulty. At home he practiced in his rm. Couldn't wait to show me.
A6: it's a process; Ss are so used to close ended & T-directed learning it takes some time for them to buy-in but they do!!
A6. When learners say, “I struggle to know when to stop my learning” they have agency.
What a motivator! Love this! Thank you!
wow! "plearnchat: A5 Teachers must not chauffeur their learners. No one can drive their learning from the backseat. ”
A6 Sometimes my Ss esp younger ones (Gr8) are a bit taken aback when given freedom of choice in aspects of their work
We usually meet every other Monday 7pm ET - will be a few weeks until next one in January https://t.co/RPkah7NJ9S
Does this chat meet at a regular time ? Weekly? monthly? outstanding focus, Questions and group!
A6. "Look, I did it by myself!" said with enthusiasm, excitement, and "agency" when said by any student!
TY ! is every two weeks - Next chat is Jan 11 -Moving from Standardization 7pm EST https://t.co/cntVsWTDhR
Does this chat meet at a regular time ? Weekly? monthly? outstanding focus, Questions and group!
A6: I taught using writer's workshop. It was the highest quality - & highest volume - of work I ever had. They were owning it.
. This is my experience too Shelly, takes some getting used to for them
A6: my grade 8s have flourished w/ self directed learning based in big ideas, driving Qs, & the ones they've generated
A6: The buzz in the classroom. When they are working and excited to share with each other.
it does! Glad I'm not alone lol:)
Love this reflection by this learner. You must have an incredible learning environment
Some educators say they have that same struggle. Probably many of them in right now :)
Absolutely! They are the ones who need us the most...building confid. & risk-taking yields self-efficacy :)
A6: You hear it in the way they talk to each other too. Encouraging and celebrating with each other.
Yes Lisa The buzz is like sound in coffee shop - not just one voice in front of room. Thanks! https://t.co/JycSwJQQSZ
A6: The buzz in the classroom. When they are working and excited to share with each other.
GI'm lucky that allows me to provide agency at the AP Level
Good reminder that it doesn't just happen over night! The 'results', however, can be well-worth the investment.
I agree. Actually, there are worse problems to have.
Thank you for sharing this great resource from Students at the Center Hub
Thank you for leading us another informative Good evening and best to all!
Yes - Kimberly Teachers are learners too. https://t.co/KyJxV5WLzF
Some educators say they have that same struggle. Probably many of them in right now :)
Awesome tonight! Thanks all!!
Thank you and everyone who led incredible convos about learner agency
Thank you, sincerely, for the gift of this awe-inspiring chat! What an amazing group of educators! It's been an honour!
