Guest Blog: Empowering Learners

You’re in for a treat with this guest blog post from Plan Z Professional Learning Services. Tammy and Nicole have not only expertise in the area of learner agency, but also a passion for it. There are so many connections to Universal Design for Learning. First and foremost, the ultimate goal of UDL is to create expert learners who are purposeful & motivated, resourceful & knowledgeable, strategic & goal directed. We can only start and assist learners along their journeys by giving them agency and ownership over their own learning. Isn’t that what we want for our students - for them to become critical thinkers and problem solvers to prepare them for careers in the future work force?

Empowering Learners:
The Importance of Learner Agency in the Classroom
by: Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Nicole Dissinger

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it has become crucial to recognize and nurture learner agency. Gone are the days of passive learning, where students were mere recipients of knowledge. Instead, empowering students to take an active role in their learning journey has emerged as a transformative approach. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of learner agency, its significance in education, and the reasons why providing students with opportunities to practice agency in the classroom is essential.

Understanding Learner Agency - Learner agency refers to the capacity of students to make choices and take ownership of their learning. Students have the voice and choice to set goals, and the responsibility to make decisions, making them active participants in the learning process. By fostering learner agency, educators encourage students to become self-directed learners, responsible for their own growth and development.

Encouraging Intrinsic Motivation - When students have opportunities to have agency to construct their learning, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated to learn. By allowing them opportunities to construct their learning; ie. to choose topics of interest, design projects, and set personal goals, educators tap into their natural curiosity and passion. This intrinsic motivation fuels a deep sense of engagement beyond mere compliance, making learning more enjoyable and meaningful for students.

Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills - Learner agency promotes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success. When students have agency, they are presented with opportunities to identify challenges, analyze information, and generate innovative solutions. They may even discover problems others haven’t thought of. This process keeps learners actively thinking and constructing knowledge.

Fostering Independence and Autonomy - Providing students with opportunities to practice agency nurtures their independence and autonomy. By making decisions about their learning, students become more self-reliant and develop a sense of responsibility. They learn to manage their time, set priorities, and take ownership of their successes and failures. These skills are invaluable for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Enhancing Creativity and Self-Expression - Learner agency encourages creativity and self-expression. When students have the freedom to explore and experiment, they can unleash their creative potential. Whether it's through choosing presentation formats, pursuing alternative approaches, or expressing ideas in unique ways, agency allows students to showcase their individuality and develop a sense of identity as learners.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset - Learner agency nurtures a growth mindset in students. By encouraging them to take risks, embrace challenges, and learn from setbacks, educators help students develop resilience and a belief in their ability to learn and improve. With agency, students understand that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth, and they become more willing to persist and persevere.

Learner agency is a powerful educational concept that empowers students to become active, self-directed learners. By providing opportunities for students to practice agency in the classroom, educators can unleash their potential, foster intrinsic motivation, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate independence. As we adapt our teaching practices to meet the needs of our students, embracing learner agency is not only important but also imperative for preparing students to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. Let us prioritize learner agency and create classrooms where students take the reins of their education, paving the way for a brighter future.

If you are interested in upcoming workshops on learner agency, be sure to fill out the Interest Form and stay connected with Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Nicole Dissinger.