Kohn's Zone Who Gets to Decide? – Part 1
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Dec 15, 2025 Discover the power of student choice in learning environments. A teacher’s innovative approach to classroom decoration sparked an engaging lesson on fractions. Research highlights that autonomy boosts creativity and motivation at all ages. Alfie Kohn emphasizes the divide between autonomy-supportive and controlling teaching styles. By minimizing coercion and encouraging collaborative decisions, students gain agency, fostering true democratic practices. The discussion champions meaningful engagement over simple voting, setting the stage for part two's practical strategies.
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Bare Walls, Big Ownership
- Alfie Kohn recounts a third-grade teacher who left her classroom walls bare so students could decide how to decorate them together.
- The year became her best because students took ownership and learned by doing, not just receiving instruction.
Project Sparks Real Math
- Students who hung their own blue construction paper discovered measurement problems and asked for help.
- Alfie Kohn describes how a spontaneous fraction lesson emerged because the project created a real need to learn.
Choice Boosts Deep Learning
- Alfie Kohn highlights studies showing children learn more when they choose materials or design experiments.
- Choice increases creativity and engagement because learners pursue questions they care about.