Agency

A recent exchange on X caught my eye. It started with a doctor questioning parents' ability to homeschool their kids. She argued that even with her 25 years of education and multiple degrees, she didn't feel qualified to teach all subjects across all grade levels. This sparked a passionate response from Devon Eriksen, who claimed the doctor's view showed a fundamental misunderstanding of what education really means.

Eriksen's reply was blunt, but it hit on something important: education should be about more than just cramming facts into our heads. It should be about developing what he calls "agency" - the ability to think for ourselves, make decisions, and take action without always needing someone else to tell us what to do.

This idea of agency resonates with me. It's not just about education - it's about how we approach life and make decisions. In my recent post about changing my political views, I talked about the importance of thinking deeply and questioning our assumptions. This is what agency is all about.

Agency, simply put, is our capacity to act independently and make our own choices. In education, it means empowering students to direct their own learning, to ask questions, and to seek out knowledge on their own. It's about teaching kids how to think, not just what to think.

Some might argue that kids need structure, that they need to learn the basics before they can think for themselves. These are valid concerns. Structure and foundational knowledge are important. But I believe we've swung too far in that direction. Our current education system, with its focus on standardized tests and memorization, often stifles creativity and independent thinking.

That's not to say our education system is all bad. It has its strengths. It provides a common base of knowledge, helps socialize kids, and can open doors to opportunities. Many dedicated teachers work within this system to inspire and challenge their students. But even with these positives, I believe we're missing something important if we're not actively fostering agency and critical thinking.

Thinking deeply is a key part of developing agency. It means not just accepting what we're told, but really examining our thoughts and the information we receive. Without this ability, we risk making decisions based on impulse or blindly following others. Acting with agency but without deep thought can lead to rash choices. The two go hand in hand.

I've experienced this in my own life. When I decided to change my political stance, it wasn't a snap decision. It came after months of questioning my assumptions, seeking out different viewpoints, and really thinking through the issues. That process was uncomfortable at times. It meant challenging beliefs I'd held for years and risking disagreement with friends and family. But it also led to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues and a sense of ownership over my beliefs.

Developing this kind of agency and critical thinking isn't just about personal growth. It has broader implications for our society. A world where more people feel empowered to think deeply about issues, to question narratives, and to take informed action would likely see more innovation, more civic engagement, and more nuanced public discourse.

Of course, there are potential downsides to consider. A society of independent thinkers might be harder to govern. We might see more disagreement and conflict as people arrive at different conclusions. But I believe these are healthy tensions in a democracy, and that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Here's how I practice fostering agency and critical thinking in my own life:

• I welcome questions and challenges, both from others and myself. I've created a personal environment where it's okay to say "I don't know" and to explore topics without preconceived notions. This approach has led to more meaningful conversations and deeper understanding.
• I dedicate time to examine my beliefs and decisions critically. I often ask myself why I think what I think. I actively seek out information that challenges my views, not just confirms them. This practice has helped me develop more nuanced perspectives on complex issues.
• I've learned to embrace failure as part of the learning process. When I make mistakes, I focus on extracting lessons from the experience rather than dwelling on the negative outcomes. This mindset has made me more resilient and open to taking calculated risks.
• I support and explore educational approaches that foster agency. This includes researching alternative education methods and advocating for more student-directed learning in traditional schools. These efforts have broadened my understanding of effective education.
• I strive to model independent thinking and action in my daily life. Whether it's making a career change, forming political opinions, or tackling personal challenges, I try to demonstrate what it looks like to think critically and act with agency. I've found that this often inspires others to do the same, especially younger individuals in my life.

Developing agency and the ability to think deeply isn't easy. It can be uncomfortable and challenging. But I believe it's critically important for our personal growth and for the health of our society. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, we should commit to fostering these skills in ourselves and others. It's not just about education - it's about empowering ourselves and each other to shape the world we want to live in.