Teaching tip: Build autonomy through meaningful micro-choices.
Instead of dictating and controlling every step of the lesson, “Here’s what we are going to do today.” provide a menu of options for students themselves to choose from.
Even better, don’t even introduce the menu. Have a list of students’ names on the board somewhere and place a magnet next one student’s name.
If students ask you, “What are we doing today?” shrug and point to the list of names. Let them figure out that the student whose name the magnet is next to is the leader.
When the leader looks at you asking what to do, smile, shrug your shoulders and point at the menu of options. Gently hint that the leader ask the rest of the class what they want to do.
Some students will want to work on an essay on their own. Others may want to work together on a group project. Some may be in the mood to catch up on reading today. Let them choose.
Here’s the paradox: by trusting students and daring to relinquish control, we actually reduce the need for control in the long run.
Small choices and steps toward agency give learners a sense ownership over their learning, which, in turn, subtly lets them learn that being responsible is an integral part of the process. They naturally become responsible, not through coercion, but by trust.