[RE]LEARN 2020 - The Learning Innovation Festival

Workshop Session: Use the Learning Sciences to Empower the Learner to Become an Agent and Advocate of their Own Learning

As we try to educate all children to become independent and self-directed learners so they have choices in college, career, and life, our promise should be for each child to develop agency. But how can we as educational leaders fulfill that promise to create learner-centered environments where all learners can develop agency, prepared to pursue their passions and interests, take ownership and be advocates of their learning so that they are future ready? Participants will work in pairs to learn how to use the practical 3-step “Empower the Learner” process by employing the research of the learning sciences to understand the value of knowing a learner’s identity that includes who they are, how they learn and what they aspire to be as foundational for acquiring the lifelong skills of agency and self-advocacy.

Workshop Learning Outcomes

Participants will:
1. Develop a Learner Profile of a learner they know so that the learner can identify and discuss strengths, challenges, preferences, and needs in their learning.
2. Understand how to build a Personal Learning Backpack of tools, skills, and practices needed to enhance a strength or support a challenge with a learner they know.
3. Explore the steps in developing a Personal Learning Plan with the learner to set goals, actions steps along with progress monitoring and reflection.