Empowering Students to Own Their Learning

Heroes Within: A Framework for Empowering Students to Own Their Learning Journeys
By Aaron Hansen
(Solution Tree, 2024 – Learn more)

Reviewed by Melinda Stewart

As educators, we continuously seek ways to enhance our practice and better serve our students. Heroes Within: A Framework for Empowering Students to Own Their Learning Journeys by Aaron Hansen is a book built around the concept of students as heroes of their own learning adventures.

This metaphor is powerful and apt, as it shifts the perspective from a passive receipt of knowledge to an active, engaging process where students take ownership and responsibility for their education.

Hansen argues that by empowering students in this way, we can foster a deeper, more meaningful learning experience that extends beyond the classroom and beyond a singular moment.

A practical framework

Aaron Hansen offers educators practical guidance on how to develop a sense of responsibility in their learners so that they will understand where they are going as well as how they learn so they are more willing to take an active role in their learning. His framework provides strategies and tools that educators can use to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment.

Throughout the book, Hansen shares ways to facilitate learners’ awareness of their contribution to the process, and failure is redefined as an essential part of the learning rather than something to be avoided.

Hansen suggests practical strategies that are implementable. He provides clear, actionable steps to foster a growth mindset, personalize learning, build relationships and grow a classroom culture that promotes resilience and risk-taking. His strategies are supported by real-world examples and case studies, making them accessible and relevant to our everyday teaching practice.

Meeting the challenge

While the book is inspiring, it also presents some challenges. Implementing the changes that Hansen advocates requires a significant shift in mindset and practice for students, educators and institutions. It demands a commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to embrace new ways of thinking about teaching and learning.

Hansen’s perspective shift is crucial for us as educators; it challenges us to move away from traditional, teacher-centered methods towards a student-centered approach. Hansen urges us to rethink our roles and embrace strategies that cultivate autonomy and engagement among our students, to reimagine their roles and empower them to take charge of their own educational journeys.

More than anything, I found Hansen’s insights to be affirming. His emphasis on the importance of student agency resonated deeply with my own beliefs about education. The practical examples Hansen includes make the concepts tangible and applicable, providing a roadmap for those looking to implement similar changes in their own classrooms.

Centering student learning

Hero’s Within is a must read for educators looking toward the future and looking for hope. Aaron Hansen provides a vision and guidance for a more dynamic and student centered approach to learning, backed by practical strategies and real-world examples. While the journey to implement these changes may be challenging, the potential rewards – both for students and educators – are immense.

Hansen urges us to reflect deeply on our current practices and beliefs about education. His insights challenge us to examine how much agency we truly give our students and shows us how we can do more to personalize learning and help learners develop the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability that they need to thrive.

Melinda Stewart has been an educator for 30 years. She has an MA in Teaching, Education and Learning and has done graduate work in the areas of English as a Second Language, Reading, Spanish, and most recently English Language Arts. She is currently working as a Spanish teacher and ELM coach at Fairmont Junior Senior High School. Melinda is an MEA and AFT professional development facilitator and trainer who has a deep passion for learning and equity.