Student Voice, Agency & Leadership
There are compelling reasons to amplify student voice, agency and leadership. When students have a strong sense of agency, starting with more commitment and a strengthened focus on their learning, a positive cycle of learning is generated. Students who are empowered to take ownership of their learning understand and contribute to the development of learning intentions, are invested in the assessment processes and monitor their own learning and improvement.
As students become invested in their own learning, they gain a better understanding of what good learning is and the purpose of it. This enables them to evaluate their own work, and to more purposefully discuss progress and achievement with teachers, each of which has a significant effect size on achievement (Hattie, 2009). In addition, empowering students to become partners in school decision making is recognition that students are knowledgeable experts in their lives. It acknowledges they can contribute to improving their schools and communities.