Author: Pratima Kalra, PYP Coordinator, Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta
How do you define joy?
For each of us, joy may be differently shaped by our values and experiences. If there’s a theme that resonates across all definitions of happiness, it may be this:
It is not fleeting pleasures, but a life filled with deep engagement, purpose, and meaningful accomplishments.
This perspective stemming from Martin Seligman’s research was brought to life in our Grade 4 classroom, in the most inspiring way.
At our school’s student-led conference, students were given the autonomy to reflect and present their learning journey in a format of their choice. Many students stepped up into roles of creators and storytellers, each choosing to share their growth in ways that felt authentic and meaningful to them.
Learning is fun
Two boys, often described as restless and distracted, quietly wrote and produced a podcast. It was so engaging that it left teachers and peers in awe. Meanwhile, a budding group of vloggers raced through the school, capturing moments that painted a vivid picture of their learning journey, real and full of energy.
This wasn’t just a fun, creative project. It was a powerful reminder of what student agency can ignite. Some settled in the library to focus, some made the corridors a runway. They confidently experimented with new digital tools and demonstrated a sense of ownership that made their project personal. Every corner of the school was filled with purpose and possibilities.
What our students said
Artanta: "When we got to choose what kind of media to use for our Student Led Conference, ...I chose podcast because my mom and I enjoy listening to it together. I thought she would be really happy if I shared my Grade 4 journey in this format. "
Aaron: " I chose a podcast because videos and stuff can hurt your eyes if you watch for too long, so I thought, why not just use audio? I wanted my parents to see how jokes can be shown in a fun way focusing on who I am and about my Grade 4 journey."
Elo: "I remember my group and I chose visual media, especially visual art, because my friends and I just love drawing. Ms. Pratima always told us, “Draw as much as you like, this is your project,” and we loved that so much!"
Shalena: "I chose role play because it’s a fun way to show who I am. I want to be an actor when I grow up! In our role play, I acted like a bully and used my gymnastics to make a cool fight scene where we went over each other without even touching. I felt so happy because my whole class wanted me to teach them how to do it too—it was fun, playful, and really awesome to watch!"
Witness joy, growth and a spark that fuels lifelong learning
Students worked through their strengths and challenged their limitations; they were not merely participating but guiding their own learning. When we trust students with the power to lead, we are reminded that they don’t just participate – they thrive. Just as Seligman suggested, joy lies in rich, meaningful experiences in areas where we are challenged and inspired to flourish.
Key takeaways
- Student agency transforms learning—when learners are trusted to choose how they demonstrate understanding; they take ownership of their learning.
- Promote a student-centred approach through voice, choice, and ownership.
- Authentic learning environments empower students to thrive and connect with who they are.
- Student-led conferences are powerful platforms for learners to reflect, express, and take ownership of their learning journey in meaningful and personal ways.
- When students are given trust and autonomy, they develop skills, confidence, and joy that extend beyond the classroom.
