Student Agency in Context: A Multi-Informant Exploration of Classroom Interactions
Speaker: Maddalena Vavassori, PhD student at University of Parma, Italy
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 11AM-12PM PDT
Location: Digital Literacy Centre (PCN 1226)
Abstract
This presentation introduces my ongoing doctoral research, which focuses on the role of student agency in secondary school education. Student agency is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone for shaping schools as spaces of meaningful student participation, given its relevance for motivation, self-regulation, and engagement. However, the literature shows inconsistencies in both theoretical and methodological approaches, leaving important aspects of the construct underexplored. My research explores this gap by examining the interactive and relational aspects of student agency, with particular attention given to how it is shaped by teachers’ beliefs and behaviours, as well as by peer dynamics in the classroom. The talk will discuss the preliminary findings and open questions emerging from this work, with the aim of reflecting together on how student agency can be effectively understood and supported in classroom contexts.
Bio
Maddalena Vavassori is a PhD student in Educational Psychology at the University of Parma (Italy). Her research interests include student participation, school climate, classroom interactions, and emotions, with a focus on secondary education. Together with her research team, led by Professor Luisa Molinari, she contributed to the design and implementation of the ASPIRE intervention, developed and carried out in schools to foster active student participation and agency.