Empower EDU

Student agency doesn't happen automatically. When we give students choice without teaching the thinking skills that make that freedom meaningful, many don't know what to do with it. Self-directed learners ask meaningful questions, monitor their progress, reflect on their growth, set goals, and engage with feedback in ways that move their work forward. These habits can be explicitly taught.This hands-on workshop offers practical strategies for building the thinking skills behind learner agency. Drawing on real examples from a middle school honors English classroom, the session connects research-backed strategies to everyday classroom practice.Participants will also engage in a redesign activity, applying the five habits to a classroom assignment or project to increase student ownership and metacognitive thinking. Teachers are welcome to come with an existing assignment or project in mind, or simply come ready to engage.