Educators are an integral part of a student’s learning process; however, their impact is limited by how much the student is willing to learn.

While children are innately curious, this curiosity won’t always translate to a desire for education. Also, as more parents try to get involved in their child’s education, the less autonomy and responsibility a child has to shoulder. This often results in a lackluster pursuit of skills and knowledge.

For that reason, we all ought to encourage our kids and students to take responsibility for their education, teaching them the values of self-motivation, self-efficacy, and the importance of pursuing their chosen paths. Before we can teach kids to take ownership of their education, we need to see what a child that has taken ownership of their learning is like. 

Children That Own It

As a student, you don’t have to be the most attentive or the teacher’s favorite to really own your education. Although they may manifest these traits, a child that owns their education is always curious, can solve problems in a creative manner, and, above all, can find value even in subjects that they aren’t good at.

For most students, this is often not the case, and few kids appear to be innately born with such ability. It’s our responsibility as parents and educators to cultivate a sense of determination and independence among children and young adults.

That said, here are a few tips parents and educators can use in nurturing kids; to take ownership of their education and allow them to flourish on their own terms.

Allow Kids To Fail 

Failure is inevitable in your life. Creating environments where getting answers wrong and making mistakes feels natural; you empower the kids to learn from their mistakes and get creative in finding solutions.

Take A Backseat

Oftentimes, classroom lessons are led by the teacher, with the students left to follow instructions. Instead, teachers should act as guides rather than absolute masters of the classroom; this will allow students to reap much more from your guidance.

Make Teaching As Active And Engaging As Possible

Try as much as possible to involve your students in the learning process. By providing opportunities for participation, you are literally letting the students take ownership of their education.

Be Prudent When Issuing Homework

Too much homework can drive the students to a state of anxiety where they constantly feel like they are being productive. Instead, by giving the students regular breaks from classwork, you keep them from burning out, allowing them time to recharge.

Get Students Input

Feedback is a very crucial part of the learning process. Instead of sticking with the standard tests, ask your students opinion-based questions to get a feel for what their world is like. This will help you know what they are or aren’t integrating your lessons.

There is no standard approach to letting kids take ownership of their education. However, by making self-reliance and freedom a priority, kids can gain the confidence necessary to take charge of their education process.