C13: Using Agency Daily

by Lu Gerlach

To support your learning of agency, I've created posters and gathered the strategies for our podcast, Confessions of a PYP Teacher in this blog.  Be sure to check out the actual podcast episode Confession #13 - Start Agency with 5 Easy Steps.  

One thing that has changed over the years is how we look at goal-setting.  We no longer have learners make random goals, but based on a success criteria that is co-created. 

After being taught content and skills, learners are asked to help you create a success criteria.  They evaluate all the necessary information that is required to be successful.  Together, you decide what is acceptable, what is not, and what is exceeding. This guides the learners towards greater access and ownership. 

In the early years, it's all about making goals that are realistic.  As you know, our little ones can barely sit still, so we need to make our success criteria grounded in everyday practice.  I like this design, because it reminds me of the Little Miss and Mr. Men series.  

As we age, the success criteria can be more broad, because learners are able to make connections between everyday situations with their success criteria.  I love this visual, because it speaks to the use of graphic novel styling to attract the reluctant learner.  

How will you use a success criteria in with your classroom?