Confidence is a vital skill in education, not just about following instructions, but about fostering ownership and self-belief. By providing opportunities for students to speak, make choices, and take responsibility, we build their confidence and agency. For educators, developing confidence in decision-making and advocating for curriculum changes is equally important. Confidence should be a core aim in education, empowering both students and teachers.
Confidence really is built through participation, not just instruction. When people are given the space to speak, choose, and take ownership, something shifts internally.
The focus on talk and choice is key. When students have chances to speak, decide, and take ownership, confidence starts to grow. And it applies to teachers too—professional confidence shapes what’s possible in the classroom.
Isn't it so interesting that the young adults shared that they deemed this to have been the most important skill they needed for their lives out in the real world? Even when they knew it was not always the most comfortable experience to talk in front of their peers. We have so many more resources at hand during this time in education to ensure that talk is inclusive and empowering. It needs to be at the top of agendas!
Confidence isn’t about having everything figured out, it’s about giving yourself permission to show up anyway, even in the midst of everything else life is holding.
Thank you so much for your contributions, Lisa. You have highlighted such important considerations here. Overarching messages which are just as true for the adults, as the pupils who we teach.
Thank you for gathering such important ‘data’ and sharing this in such a helpful, and thought-provoking way. Such a wonderful collection of insights to spark evaluation.
Confidence is a vital skill in education, not just about following instructions, but about fostering ownership and self-belief. By providing opportunities for students to speak, make choices, and take responsibility, we build their confidence and agency. For educators, developing confidence in decision-making and advocating for curriculum changes is equally important. Confidence should be a core aim in education, empowering both students and teachers.
Confidence really is built through participation, not just instruction. When people are given the space to speak, choose, and take ownership, something shifts internally.
Absolutely! Just so important.
The focus on talk and choice is key. When students have chances to speak, decide, and take ownership, confidence starts to grow. And it applies to teachers too—professional confidence shapes what’s possible in the classroom.
Isn't it so interesting that the young adults shared that they deemed this to have been the most important skill they needed for their lives out in the real world? Even when they knew it was not always the most comfortable experience to talk in front of their peers. We have so many more resources at hand during this time in education to ensure that talk is inclusive and empowering. It needs to be at the top of agendas!
So true. That connection between voice and choice is where confidence really begins. When people feel they have both, everything shifts.
Confidence isn’t about having everything figured out, it’s about giving yourself permission to show up anyway, even in the midst of everything else life is holding.
That reminder to give yourself grace… so needed.
Simple, honest, and deeply grounding.
Thank you so much for your contributions, Lisa. You have highlighted such important considerations here. Overarching messages which are just as true for the adults, as the pupils who we teach.
Thank you Laura for highlighting my research on, amongst other things, confidence.
Thank you for gathering such important ‘data’ and sharing this in such a helpful, and thought-provoking way. Such a wonderful collection of insights to spark evaluation.