Text version - Developing student agency through STEM learning
Journey summary
Developing student agency through STEM learning, using project-based learning pedagogy to give students voice and choice, feedback and evaluation of their learning.
Journey focus area
Developing student agency through STEM learning.
Timeline and milestones
2014-2015 milestones |
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2016 milestones | Stage 3 ‘lighthouse’ team of seven teachers and classes began this journey. Student agency developed through:
STEM integrated curriculum developed to build and apply students’ STEM knowledge and skills. |
2017 milestones |
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2018 milestones |
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Positive impact
- Increase in sustained student engagement in learning within and beyond the classroom.
Student agency in learning has seen more students demonstrating higher levels of attainment. - Greater school community engagement as experts in chosen fields to support student learning.
- Greater parent engagement in their child’s learning through communication of learning and attendance at Learning Conventions.
- Contextual programs are developed by teachers to suit syllabus requirements and student needs and interests, building deep understanding of curriculum with staff.
- Students have developed curriculum skills through real world application.
- Students have a deeper understanding of curriculum knowledge.
Emotions
Students: excited about their learning, curious, focused, open to new ideas and experiences.
Teachers: energised, enjoying the challenge, uncomfortable, courageous.
Main challenges and solutions
Students were used to having learning highly scaffolded and being passive in their learning. To make the transition smoother, teachers have gradually released ownership to students, explicitly teaching skills through modelling and guiding them through to independence.