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The politics of education influence students' agency and voice from "summary" of Education and Power by Michael W. Apple
The ways in which education is structured and governed are not neutral. They are deeply political, reflecting the distribution of power and resources in society. This has profound implications for students' experiences in schools. The decisions made by policymakers, administrators, and educators shape not only what students learn, but also how they learn, how they are assessed, and how their educational outcomes are valued. One key aspect of the politics of education is the influence it has on students' agency and voice. Agency refers to students' ability to act independently and make choices that affect their lives. Voice refers to their ability to express their perspectives, needs, and concerns in educational settings. The politics of education can either support or limit students' agency and voice, depending on how power is distributed and exercised within the system. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few, such as policymakers or administrators, students may have limited agency and voice. Their educational experiences are determined by decisions made by others, without their input or participation. This can lead to feelings of disempowerment, disengagement, and alienation among students, as they may feel that their needs and perspectives are not being taken into account. On the other hand, when power is shared more equitably among all stakeholders, including students, their agency and voice can be enhanced. Students are able to play a more active role in shaping their own educational experiences, leading to greater engagement, motivation, and a sense of ownership over their learning. This can result in more meaningful and empowering educational experiences for students, as they are able to see themselves as active participants in their own education.- The politics of education plays a crucial role in shaping students' agency and voice in schools. By understanding and interrogating the distribution of power in education systems, we can work towards creating more inclusive, democratic, and empowering educational environments for all students.
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