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Empowering the Next Generation: YCIS-HK Educators Lead Workshop on Fostering Student Agency
Bilingual Learning Communities
13 May, 2026
11 : 06
In an era where educational landscapes are rapidly shifting toward student-centered learning, Year 5 homeroom teachers Lorraine German and Jeannie Barclay of Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong (YCIS-HK) led a transformative workshop titled "Building the Confidence to Inquire."
The session, held as part of the 2026 BLC Documentary and Conference held at Guangzhou Yew Wah on 12 Mar 2026, focused on the critical mission of fostering "active agency"—the capacity for students to take initiative and ownership of their own learning journeys.
From Theory to Action: The Refugee Project
The highlight of the workshop was the presentation of a real-world Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit titled "Together We Move." The project challenged students to answer a driving question: “How can communities respond to human migration by supporting and advocating for refugees?”
Through this initiative, students didn't just study history; they became "change agents." The curriculum was brought to life through:
- Student-Led Initiatives: Students brainstormed ways to help, eventually organizing a sponsored walk and a second-hand sale.
- Expert Groups: Children were divided into specialized teams—handling logistics, finance, and advertising—mirroring real-world professional environments.
- Community Connection: The project included emotional "entry events" where students heard firsthand accounts from teachers who had lived experiences as refugees, bridging the gap between global issues and personal empathy.
Building a "Safe to Fail" Environment
Presenters Ms. German and Ms. Barclay emphasized that for inquiry to flourish, students must feel a profound sense of "personal safety and belonging."
"Time taken to invest in community fosters stronger risk-taking amongst peers," the presenters noted during the session. They argued that small, daily investments in student relationships are what eventually build the confidence required for independent inquiry later in life.
The workshop utilized interactive "negotiation" exercises, where participating educators were asked to simulate budget allocations of 100,000 HKD, demonstrating how giving students a voice in resource management can heighten engagement and responsibility.
Impact and Feedback
The workshop resonated deeply with fellow educators. Post-workshop feedback praised the "passionate project" for its ability to connect students with the wider community. One participant noted they were eager to implement "circle time" to build stronger emotional connections, while others highlighted the value of "expert groups" in elevating student ownership.
"It showed the key aspects involved in giving students choice," said one attendee. Others were moved by the implementation of the project into "real life," noting that it moved beyond traditional grading to focus on project management and communication skills.
Looking Ahead
As schools continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century curriculum, the work of Ms. German and Ms. Barclay serves as a blueprint for how "Active Agency" can be integrated into the classroom. By treating children as capable and trusted individuals, educators can transform the learning space into a dynamic environment where students don't just learn about the world—they learn how to change it.
