Overview
Student agency is increasingly recognised as an essential part of meaningful learning. Yet for many educators, the challenge is not understanding why it matters, it’s seeing what it actually looks like in the day-to-day life within our learning spaces.
Facilitated by Matt Magowan, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to move beyond theory and into authentic learning environments, where the conditions for student agency are intentionally designed and thoughtfully nurtured. It is a chance to see what it looks like when learners are given genuine opportunities to make choices, contribute ideas, take responsibility, and develop increasing ownership of their learning.
Agency in Action is an immersive workshop for educators who want to deepen their understanding of how student agency can be fostered in meaningful and practical ways. Participants will observe a live lesson and engage in guided reflection and analysis to explore the teaching moves and learning conditions that make student agency visible in practice.
The classroom observation is paired with a guided reflection and analysis led by Matt Magowan, helping participants notice the subtle but powerful moves teachers make to create learning environments where agency can flourish. Together, we will explore what makes agency possible and consider how these practices can be adapted and transferred to your own context.
Participants will leave with practical ideas and a clearer picture of how to design learning experiences that position students as active partners in the learning process—where they are trusted to make decisions, encouraged to think deeply, and supported to take increasing responsibility for their learning.
Drawing on extensive experience working alongside teachers and school leaders, Matt brings a practical and thoughtful approach to professional learning. His work focuses on helping educators translate big ideas into classroom practice, supporting schools to create cultures of learning where agency is not simply discussed as an aspiration, but experienced by students every day.
This workshop is designed for educators seeking fresh insight, practical inspiration, and the opportunity to reflect deeply on what it takes to create classrooms where student agency is truly visible.
Overview Schedule
| Session | Overview |
| 1 | Welcome and Introductions Opening the day with an overview of the workshop focus, key questions, and opportunities for collaboration and reflection. |
| 2 | Defining Student Agency
Participants work in collaborative lab groups to unpack and explore what student agency means in practice, building shared understandings around voice, choice, ownership, and responsibility in learning. |
| 3 | Classroom Observation: Agency in Action
Observe a live elementary PE lesson through the lens of student agency, using guided reflection protocols to notice teaching moves, learner behaviours, and the conditions that support agency in practice. |
| 4 | Reflection and Debrief
Lab groups analyse the observed lesson, discuss key insights, and explore the practical implications for teaching and learning within different school contexts. |
| 5 | Planning for Implementation
Participants work collaboratively to identify realistic opportunities for fostering greater student agency within their own settings and begin planning for implementation. |
| 6 | Guest Panel and Q&A
A panel discussion exploring different perspectives on student agency, with opportunities for participants to ask questions, seek clarification, and reflect on challenges and possibilities for practice. |
PHASE AP 2026 – Hanoi
Date and Time
13 November 2026
Location
United Nations International School of Hanoi
Investment
Early Bird Price: $99 (before 28 September)
$125USD (on or before 16 October)
$150 (after 16 October)
Discount of $25USD per person for group of three or more
Note: Profits from this workshop will go toward a charity nominated by UNIS.
+ 4% registration fee
There are combo tickets available to attend the PHASE AP conference (pre-conference + main conference) – see registration page.
Note: You do not need to register for the main PHASE Conference to attend this one day workshop.
Important Note: The “Go or no go” date for pre-conferences is 18th September 2026. Please do not book nonrefundable travel before this date. Pre-conferences will only go ahead if we have reached a defined minimum enrollment.
Please register early for pre-conferences you are especially keen on a particular pre-conference.
If you have registered for a pre con in the unlikely event it does not go ahead, you will be 100% refunded or can switch to another pre-conference.
