• How can I reinforce autonomy in my students?

I think autonomy is an attitude in which you are able to be independent, having the skills to do it and being in charge of your own process. It is the ability for making decisions with responsability.

How can I reinforce autonomy in my students?
This is a very important question that I always try to have in mind when I am planning so that reminds me that I don’t have all the knowledge and I won’t even pretend to promote a passive attitude in my students. The following are some ideas I will share:
- Ask students to participate. They always know something about any topic
- Do not give all the answers. Ask some one in the class and finally you can talk about what you know
- Have extra material for those students interested
- Let students decide. And if it not possible in your school, try to give the opportunity in each topic, to create sub topics taking into account what students need and want
- Give responsibilities to your students, such as helpers in the class. Use and channel the energy of those that have plenty.
- Provide an environment that encourages reflective attitude

- Help them accept their own process and try not to compare.The most important comparison is the one you make with yourself.

- Return to them the questions, especially those ones that include decisions

Autonomy is the key to be owners of our process and that means that you can open many doors if you feel able to do it.