Autonomy (Role-playing simulation)

You’re a VET teacher preparing assessments for your new subject. Your supervisor insists you “stick exactly to the template,” while a senior colleague urges you to “make it more flexible — that’s what students need.”
Students are expecting clear guidance, but you’re caught between two voices of authority. How do you decide what to do while maintaining ownership of your teaching decisions?

How do you handle conflicting instructions, weigh your options, and make a decision that reflects independent judgment while respecting both guidance and student needs?

Exercise 1: Multiple choice

Scenario
The colleague says:
Colleague: "Don’t follow that rigid template — students won’t engage. Just design your own version."

What do you say?
Choose one of the following options.

A. “Good idea. I’ll skip the template entirely and go my own way.”

B. “Thanks for the advice — I’ll design a version that keeps the structure but adapts it for students.”

C. “I’d rather wait for my supervisor to tell me what to do before changing anything.”

D. “I’ll just use your version exactly as you suggest.”

Exercise 2: Multiple choice

Scenario
Your supervisor asks:
Supervisor: “You are sticking exactly to the template, right? That’s how we maintain consistency.”

How do you respond?
Choose one of the following options.

A. “Yes, I won’t change a thing, even if it’s not engaging for students.”

B. “I’m adapting the template slightly so it stays consistent but also more relevant.”

C. “I’ll probably follow the template… unless I find a better version online.”

D. “I’m just using a colleague’s version — they said it works better.”

Exercise 3: Reflection question

How confident are you in making your own instructional decisions when faced with mixed or even contradictory advice?
Choose one of the following options.

A. Not at all confident

B. Slightly confident

C. Moderately confident

D. Confident

E. Fully confident