Promoting Student Agentic Engagement through Curriculum: Exploring the Negotiated Integrated Curriculum Initiative

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Promoting Student Agentic Engagement through Curriculum: Exploring the Negotiated Integrated Curriculum Initiative
Language: English
Authors: Fitzpatrick, J., O'Grady, E., O'Reilly, J.
Source: Irish Educational Studies. 2018 37(4):453-473.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Grade 5
Middle Schools
Grade 6
Descriptors: Learner Engagement, Curriculum Implementation, Student Empowerment, Foreign Countries, Integrated Curriculum, Decision Making, Curriculum Development, Elementary School Students, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
Geographic Terms: Ireland
DOI: 10.1080/03323315.2018.1512882
ISSN: 0332-3315
Abstract: Building on the various works of theorists pertaining to curriculum negotiation, the Negotiated Integrated Curriculum (NIC) initiative detailed in this article attempts to redress the imbalance within curricular decision-making whereby student voice and learner agency is largely absent. The NIC initiative enquires into students' concerns about life and constructs a curriculum to address these concerns as a mechanism that can be shaped to make learning more meaningful through agentic engagement. Based on a longitudinal study of two primary schools, this small scale, exploratory research details the influence of this process on learners and educators and the challenges that were faced during its implementation. The findings of this study examine two main issues: the first is how student voice, particularly around the decision-making of pedagogical activities, can be practically implemented to enhance the perceived relevance of a curriculum; and secondly the process of negotiation between teachers and students to achieve this. Recommendations for the promotion of learner agency and further research are discussed in the context of Irish curriculum reform.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 55
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1199757
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Building on the various works of theorists pertaining to curriculum negotiation, the Negotiated Integrated Curriculum (NIC) initiative detailed in this article attempts to redress the imbalance within curricular decision-making whereby student voice and learner agency is largely absent. The NIC initiative enquires into students' concerns about life and constructs a curriculum to address these concerns as a mechanism that can be shaped to make learning more meaningful through agentic engagement. Based on a longitudinal study of two primary schools, this small scale, exploratory research details the influence of this process on learners and educators and the challenges that were faced during its implementation. The findings of this study examine two main issues: the first is how student voice, particularly around the decision-making of pedagogical activities, can be practically implemented to enhance the perceived relevance of a curriculum; and secondly the process of negotiation between teachers and students to achieve this. Recommendations for the promotion of learner agency and further research are discussed in the context of Irish curriculum reform.
ISSN:0332-3315
DOI:10.1080/03323315.2018.1512882