How do I gain control of my actions in dreams?

[wal49]

Like last night I had a dream that I was back in middle school, and I made the choice to enter the classroom even though I didn't want to be there. However, I'd rather just leave the school and go out exploring. It felt like I was forced to stay there until I was kicked out the class & then the dream ended. I've been trying to lucid dream for the past couple of nights but I haven't gotten the hang of it. Is there any other way to try and gain control of my actions?