From the very beginning of my journey at Involve, I have been intrigued by the concept of agency and its implications. Initially, I was unfamiliar with the term and used words like “leadership” and “ownership” to describe similar qualities.
One individual for me who exemplified the cultivation of these skills was MS Dhoni, a renowned cricketer. His approach to nurturing young players and instilling qualities beyond mere technical prowess fascinated me, even at the tender age of 14. I couldn’t help but wonder why agency was so essential. However, upon Dhoni’s retirement, I gained a profound understanding of his intentions: it was never solely about winning, but about building individuals who could take ownership and contribute to the team’s success. Reflecting on Dhoni’s journey, I now recognize him as an “agent” of agency.
This realization prompts the question: How can we actively create agency in students? While peer teaching undeniably plays a significant role, I believe that equal attention to co-curricular activities can also foster these invaluable skills. At Involve, we have embraced this holistic approach by incorporating a range of diverse activities, including student-led Nukkad Nataks (street plays) and year-end events organized entirely by the students. In this article, I will explore alternative avenues for cultivating agency beyond traditional teaching methods.
- Empowering Personal Autonomy:
One of the most effective ways to foster agency is by empowering individuals with personal autonomy. By providing opportunities for self-expression and encouraging self-directed learning, we enable individuals to take control of their own learning journeys. This can be achieved through personalized projects, allowing students to choose topics of interest, and offering flexibility in assignments. When individuals have the freedom to make choices and take ownership of their learning, it enhances their sense of agency and encourages active engagement.
- Promoting Collaborative Projects and Teamwork:
Collaborative projects and teamwork are powerful tools for building agency. By engaging students in group activities and encouraging them to work together towards a common goal, we foster a sense of collective responsibility and shared decision-making. Collaboration provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and learn from their peers. It helps develop crucial skills such as effective communication, negotiation, and compromise, all of which are essential for agency to thrive.
- Encouraging Experiential Learning:
Experiential learning plays a vital role in cultivating agency by connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences. It involves hands-on activities, field trips, and immersive learning opportunities that allow individuals to apply their learning in practical contexts. By engaging in experiential learning, individuals develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Experiential learning empowers individuals to take charge of their own learning and fosters a sense of agency by emphasizing the importance of active participation and personal engagement.
d) Nurturing Emotional Intelligence and Self-Reflection:
To truly cultivate agency, it is crucial to focus on emotional intelligence and self-reflection. Emotional intelligence encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and effective interpersonal skills. By creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue, active listening, and respect for diverse perspectives, individuals can develop emotional intelligence and enhance their ability to understand and regulate their emotions.
The concept of agency holds great significance in empowering individuals to take ownership of their actions and contribute meaningfully to their personal growth and collective success. Inspired by the example of MS Dhoni, we understand that agency goes beyond mere technical prowess and encompasses qualities such as leadership, ownership, and the ability to nurture others. To actively create agency in students, it is essential to provide opportunities for personal autonomy, promote collaborative projects and teamwork, encourage experiential learning, and nurture emotional intelligence and self-reflection. By incorporating these approaches into education, we can empower students to become agents of their own learning, development, and future success.
What are your thoughts on it? Do you think agency is more than just a word? Let us know in the comments section or by writing to us at priyansh@involveedu.com.
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