Labeling and Agency: Crafting a Student Lead Response to Self-Perception and Identity
Students enter high school with academic histories, often in the form of labels, both institutional and personal, which can determine how students interact with their education. While many indirect measures may boost a student’s confidence, teachers often do not address the matter in a straightforward or reflective manner. This research posits that, through an agentive and transformative approach to student labeling, educators can combat the potentially crippling effects of student labeling, and use them to promote change. In this study, this goal was implemented through targeted lessons prompting student reflection, with a focus on how students could take direct action to respond to their labels. The lessons struck a chord with students, and opened dialogue through which several students chose to express concerns, both academic and personal, affecting their school performance through their concept of self, while providing them with tools and strategies to create positive change in their lives.
Keywords: Agency, Identity , Labeling , Self-Perception
Topic(s):Education
English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 202-2
Location: MG 1090
Time: 9:45