Junior Journeys

Empowering learners

The purpose behind learner agency.

'Learner agency' is a term that you may hear from teachers, as it is one of the core elements of the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

This term refers to the power and capacity for students to take ownership of their learning. It involves students being active participants in the learning process, making choices about what and how they learn, and reflecting on their progress. In other words, it is about empowering students to become self-directed learners. 

In the PYP, learner agency is encouraged and developed using inquiry-based learning. By engaging in a process of inquiry, students can identify their own questions and curiosities, investigate them, and construct their own understanding of the world around them. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and autonomy in learners, as they are not simply receiving information, rather actively creating their own knowledge. 

There are several strategies that we implement in the classroom at Mercedes College to facilitate and support learner agency. We:

1. Provide choice and voice: by offering students choices about the topics they want to explore, the materials they want to use, or the methods they want to employ in their learning. We allow them to express thoughts and opinions about their learning process and encourage them to take ownership of their learning journey. 
2. Foster a culture of reflection: by regularly encouraging students to reflect on their learning and progress. This can be done through journals, portfolios, or group discussions and allows students to identify their strengths and areas of growth, and set goals for themselves.
3. Encourage collaboration: learning is a social process and students can benefit from working together to share ideas and perspectives. Collaboration can also help students develop their communication and interpersonal skills. 
4. Provide feedback and support: as educators, we play a critical role in supporting student learning and offer feedback that is timely, specific, and actionable. This support in necessary to help students achieve their goals. 

Learner agency is a key component of the PYP, plus a lifelong skill that will serve students well beyond the classroom.

Simon Munn
PYP Coordinator