Council teachers strive to promote student agency, encouraging learners to take ownership of their education and become more engaged in the learning process. This involves creating opportunities that emphasize the significance of active participation.
In a student-centered environment, students are encouraged to set and reflect on their goals, with the teacher serving as a facilitator. Students have more options to demonstrate their learning and are empowered to take action as a result. This can include independent thinking, decision making, risk-taking, problem solving, and reflecting on their learning. Students also work collaboratively and communicate with their teacher and peers.
Student agency is essential in successful PYP programs, empowering students to take responsibility and demonstrate commitment for their academic careers. It is like a bicycle where parents/guardians are the handlebars, directing their learning towards success.
Teachers provide support and act as a frame for learning, while school leaders serve as wheels to keep everyone grounded with a shared mission.
Tips for Parents: Cultivating Knowledgeable Students
As a parent, you can help your children retain and apply what they learn in various settings. Here some ways to promote knowledge-building at home:
- Encourage reading of relevant books that align with school subjects.
- Engage your child in conversation about their learning. Ask open-ended questions like:
- "Why is this topic important?"
- "Can you think of current events that connect to what you're studying in history class?"
- "You're studying pulleys and gears in school? That reminds me of your forces and motion unit in third grade. How are they related? How are they different?"
- Nurture your child's passions with books and activities, but also encourage exploration of new ideas.
- Encourage your child to stay informed about current events through reading news articles and watching age-appropriate news programs.