How does "student agency" affect a student's learning experience?

Student agency significantly enhances a student's learning experience by empowering them to take ownership of their education. When students have agency, they are given the opportunity to make choices about their learning processes, such as setting goals, selecting projects, and determining how they wish to engage with the material. This sense of ownership fosters intrinsic motivation and encourages them to invest more fully in their educational journey.

By promoting student agency, educators cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and resilience as students learn to navigate challenges and take risks in their learning. This active engagement tends to lead to deeper understanding and retention of information, as students connect more personally with their education. Consequently, when students feel they have a stake in their learning, they are more likely to remain committed, engaged, and responsible learners.