Ragnar Purje might be strolling out in his community when a small cry will erupt nearby.
“Mr Purje! I’ve got the power! I’ve got the power!” A student, arms flailing, is gesturing wildly at their head.
He might be behind the wheel when, squished up in the rear window of the car in front, he’ll spy an enthused child mouthing “I’m using my powerhouse!” through the glass.
Nothing could delight the Queensland educator more.
As the creator of Responsibility Theory, an empowering approach that gives students the knowledge that they alone can take control of their thinking, learning and behaviour, the researcher and long-time teacher sees evidence both inside and outside the classroom that his theory is changing lives for the better.
“The success that I’m getting is far and beyond my expectation,” Purje says.