Kohn's Zone Who Gets to Decide? – Part 2
23 snips
Jan 1, 2026 Dive into the dynamic world of student autonomy in classrooms! Discover why teachers should invite students to help shape classroom norms instead of relying on rigid rules. Explore powerful insights from student feedback, focusing on what makes school enjoyable or challenging. Learn about fostering a supportive, rather than punitive, environment and the importance of shared decision-making. Uncover the barriers teachers face in relinquishing control and hear a compelling reflection on why letting go can enhance learning. Embrace a classroom where student choice thrives!
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Student-Led Class Meeting
- Alfie Kohn visited a second-grade class where students ran a 45-minute class meeting themselves with rotating facilitators and note-takers.
- The meeting featured kids solving a playground conflict and demonstrated deep student engagement and ownership.
Have Students Shape Classroom Culture
- Do invite students to construct how you want the classroom to be rather than imposing a list of do's and don'ts.
- Ask early-year prompts like "what made school suck" and follow with collaborative solutions to avoid those experiences.
Work Backwards From The Goal
- Try framing problems as shared goals and ask students for solutions instead of imposing rigid procedures.
- Use goal-backward questions (e.g., how to move safely without silence/lining up) to co-design routines.
