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.