ABSTRACT
Young adolescents’ desire for autonomy and independence can lead to a need to make their own choices and chart their own course within the learning environment. Classroom environments that are strictly controlled—where all decisions are made by the teacher—do not provide young adolescents with their desired autonomy and often lead to disengaged students. When students are given a voice in the classroom and their perspectives are honored and integrated, young adolescent developmental needs and cultural identities are acknowledged, and hands-joined learning begins. In a hands-joined learning environment, the shared awareness of the purpose of the learning activity enables any member of the classroom community to take on the role of teacher at various times. Creative teachers will think of many possibilities for shifting power to the students and joining hands to cultivate an active, purposeful learning environment guided by students' perspectives.
