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Good morning!

Before we get down to the nitty gritty, at your tables introduce yourself and share your favorite classroom morning routine. Feel free to comment below and share your favs.

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Classroom management is significantly impacted by student agency.

We are going to dive into what the professionals and research have to say.

We will examine three essential questions and dive into what works in your classrooms and discuss the experiences you have had.

Finally, together we will share what works and doesn't work and look at how that aligns to what the research says.

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What does it mean to have Classroom Management?

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What does it mean to have Classroom Management?

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According to Doyle (1986), classroom management has two purposes. The first aim of classroom management is to establish a quiet and calm environment in the classroom so that the pupils can take part in meaningful learning in a subject. The second aim is that classroom management contributes to the pupils’ social and moral development, which means that it aims to develop the pupils academically and socially(Postholm,2013).

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Talk with your table about how perspectives on classroom management have changed since then. In one word describe the change in the comments below.

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A study done in Australia in 2021, teachers were asked What do you believe teachers do that helps to create and maintain safe and supportive learning environments? This is aligned with the rest of their study on effective classroom management strategies. Let me share what the results were:

43% answered with the building of positive relationships.

39% focused on behavior management

32% focused on instructional management

(Egeberg et al,2021)

In seeing that the component of Caring is largely favored, how do you feel? Discuss with your table.

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The problem of practice is that many teachers rely on this outdated way of teaching to their students. Expecting students to sit hours on end and do worksheets and memorize and then be expected to regurgitate information is gone. In 2015, a study commissioned by Microsoft and discussed in Time magazine found that the average attention span is only 8 seconds(Bradbury,2016). Unfortunately what that means is increased behaviors and inconsistencies within classroom management.

A teacher’s approach to classroom management influences students’ engagement and academic achievement. As well as having lasting effects on their social and emotional outcomes(Chow et.al,2023). As we are well aware the classroom is not just for learning but a place for students to build social-emotional skills.

Share at least one strategy you use to ensure successful classroom management?

Then share what strategies don't work.

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According to Klemenčič(2014), student agency refers to the quality of students’ self-reflective and intentional action and interaction with their environment. It encompasses variable notions of agentic possibility (“power”) and agentic orientation (“will”).

So if our purpose as educators is to now support a students power, will, and ability to successfully interact and learn within their environment, how are we going to do that?

In the comments below write one thing you do to foster student agency.

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Why does student agency have so much effect on classroom management? Let's take a look....

Conceptually, agency is about the ability to choose and make self-directed, self-determined decisions. Narayan et al. (as quoted by Marshall, 2022) define agency as an individual's or group's ability to make purposeful choices.

Samman and Santos (2009) extend Narayan's definition of agency by including voice as part of an individual's or group's ability to advocate for their needs. Voice, they explain, is the ability and willingness to speak up for oneself and make ideas heard and needs expressed(Marshall,2022).

Choice+Voice=Engagement

When students are engaged they are less likely to disrupt the flow of learning.

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When we consider our students and begin to integrate them into the day rather than viewed as objects recieving information we elevate their engagement and motivation. In turn students level of comprehension rises and learning moves from repetition being a chore to fun and relevant. Another added benefit is that it promotes creativity and inquiry which will have lasting benefits on learning and overall success(Starke,2021). Problem-based or Project-based learning is great for targeting student agency and will teach students the importance of setting goals, reflecting, and ultimately growing as a learning.

When we put students first and consider their abilities we hand owenership and autonomy over to them and build their level of independence; creating students who feel heard, valued and empowered!

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Teachers and students face challenges when it comes to embracing student agency and choice.

One major challenge facing teachers is letting go. Letting go of the same rules that have bound us as teachers. Andi McNair in her book The Meaningful Mess, explains the importance of letting go and allowing students the freedom to collaborate, explore, and be a vital part of the inquiry to learning.

And while it could be easily assumed students wouldn't face many challenges when they get to have their voice heard, research debunks that.

In fact, it's very important to emphasize the possibly challenges students could face. While there is ample evidence to support the relationship between learner-centered instruction and student engagement, there is also evidence that a shift toward learner-centered practices can result in student resistance. Studies on active learning and student-centered instruction, for example, suggest that choice and voice in learning are associated with an increase in rigor that is not always enjoyed by students and, in some cases, students have been found to prefer more passive modes of learning. Similarly, research has shown that choice “has the potential to be restricting and even debilitating” and can contribute to power struggles between students and teachers in the classroom(DeMink-Carthew & Netcoh,2019).

Chime in! In the comments share an experience you encountered that created a challenge when focusing on student choice.

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How can we create a classroom environment that empowers students to take ownership of their learning and behavior?

Self-directed learning empowers students to take ownership of their education, develop their critical thinking, and cultivate habits of lifelong learning. To thrive in a knowledge-driven world, educators must recognize the importance of self-directed learning as it equips students with those necessary skills(Lektorich,2023).

Strategies

Cultivate Curiosty

Develope Goal Setting Skills

Encourage Self Assessment

Integrate Technology Thoughtfully

Create a Supportive Learning Community

Incorporate Problem Based Learning

Promote Self-Directed Study Projects

Model Self-Directed Learning Behaviors

Promote Self-Directed Learning

Here are some resources to get you started on Technology and Problem-Based Activities:

Quizlet

National Geographic Kids

Epic!

Virtual Museum Tours

PBS Kids

FlipGrid

Microsoft Teams

Prodigy Math Game

Edulastic

Please share in the comments other resources you found success in!

classroom routines and procedures to enhance engagement and responsibility?

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Students reported feeling connected when:

1. Were given the chance to help make decisions.

2. Had a say in how things work.

3. Got to help decide some of the rules.

4. Were asked by their teachers what they want to learn about.

5. Got to help decide how class time was spent.

What strategies can be implemented to balance student autonomy with the need for structure and consistency in classroom management?

Skill: Providing students with opportunities to help make decisions about class rules

Strategy:

Ask students for their input on how class time is spent. Using a brief survey or poll (in person or virtually) or group brainstorming session. For example, consider asking for students’ input on content (e.g., key questions, topics they would like to learn about); mode (e.g., project-based assignments, group vs. individual assignments, assessment format); and classroom structure (e.g., small groups or “break out rooms” for virtual learning, discussion boards, didactic instruction).

Skill:

Providing students with opportunities to lead in class

Strategy:

Consider inviting students to lead classroom discussions or group-based activities. For example, ask students to choose a topic or concept that has been covered in class to reteach to classmates.13

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND STRATEGIES:https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/classroom-management/pdf/DASH_Student-Autonomy-and-Empowerment.pdf

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We need to incorporate student voice and choice into routines and procedure in order to continue effective classroom management

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We need to incorporate student voice and choice into routines and procedure in order to continue effective classroom management

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Increasingly, educators are recognizing student voice as a necessary component for improving their K–12 school systems, and are beginning to incorporate student experiences into their decision making.However, because efforts to uplift student voice can potentially have negative effects, such as student disengagement or frustration, it is important that research-based effective practices are considered when designing and implementing student voice opportunities(Holquist,2019).

Let's take a look at some effective practices for uplifiting student voice:

1. Students need to understand what their role is, and is not. Together teachers and students should work together to create clear roles and responsiblirties within student voice opportunities.

2. Educators should strive to offer multiple ways for students to share their experiences. Examples of different ways for students to participate include asking students to take pictures, write a short story, or create an art project.

3. Studies highlight that helping students build relationships with one another allows students to feel more confident and willing to share their experiences. These peer-to-peer relationships provide essential supports to students engaging in student voice opportunities as they navigate new situations, overcome challenges, and work together to achieve common goals.

These are just a few ways to build student voice.

Get up and stretch! Go find someone in the room, introduce yourself and share one effective practice you have seen work to show student voice or someone that didn't work so well.

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Incorporating student voice into decision making can start small, from classrooms, then to schools, and next across K–12 systems. Depending on your purpose and context for engaging students, there are many avenues for supporting students as they share their education experiences. Author Samantha Holquist outlines five potential ways to create student voice opportunities in your K–12 educational setting.

1. Feedback Forms:Provide students (anonymously or identifiably) with the opportunity to share about their experiences in classrooms or schools

2. Surveys: Construct a survey about student experiences and needs in classrooms, schools, or systems.Be sure to let students know about the purpose of the survey and how the results will be used. To more effectively capture student experiences, work with students to build the survey.

3. Focus groups: Ask students to share their experiences and needs in classrooms, schools, or systems in a group of eight to ten.Have a trusted adult facilitate the focus group, or a trained student, so that students feel more comfortable engaging in the discussion. Strive to include students in the data analysis process to ensure student feelings and opinions are accurately captured.

4. Photo voice: Provide students with a camera, pose a question about their K–12 experiences, and ask them to take a picture of somewhere in the school that summarizes their experiences or feelings.Using the picture as a reference point, have a discussion with students about their experiences.

5. Student voice group: Create a group within the school or K–12 system where students can discuss their experiences, organize their ideas, and provide feedback to educators on school or system decisions.To support students in their discussions, ask the group to work towards accomplishing a specific task that impacts the school or system.

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It's clear an effective classroom management system sets the stage for the whole year. No longer are the days where students are required to sit quietly and work from a textbook. We are ready to embrace the change!

As we end things here today I would like to leave you with a few final reminders:

Student Agency and Student Voice create an environment that is positive and effective. Empower your students to embrace owndership of their learning and encourage them to share their ideas and opinions.

Student Agency=Autonomy to. make choices about their learning. This builds a sense of responsbility and accountability in their education.

A students voice or the feeling they have a "say" in what and how they learn, they will be more ENGAGED, MOTIVATED, and INVESTED. This will naturally lead to decreased disruptive behaviors and increased positive interactions. Additionally, they develop self-regulation skills and can take proactive steps to meet their learning goals.

Student Voice=Opportunities to express thoughts, opinions, and feedback. This builds mutual respect and an improved classroom culture. Knowing their voices are valued and heard, translates to them being respectful to others voices. This mutual respect enhances collaboration and inclusivity where students feel SAFE and SUPPORTED. Again, leading to less disruptive behaviors which impede the learning process.

When we empower students to take ownership of their learning and express their ideas, we not only enhance their educational experience but also significantly improve classroom management.

Research proves that teachers who embrace this new learning environment report fewer disciplinary issues.

Today when you leave and head back to your classroom, I want to challenge you to make the change. Document how prioritizing student agency has direct effects on student academic outcomes, relationships, and positive effects on classroom managment.

We will be hosting a part two on this topic and we will be having teacher speakers sharing their results.

We want to empower students and see the effects it has on classroom management.

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