Describe the importance of student agency in personalized learning.

Student agency is foundational in personalized learning because it empowers learners to take control of their educational experiences and paths. When students have agency, they are encouraged to make choices about what and how they learn, which fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their education. This autonomy can lead to increased motivation and engagement, as students are more likely to invest effort in tasks that they have a say in.

In personalized learning environments, students are not just passive recipients of information; instead, they actively participate in their learning process. This means selecting topics of interest, pacing their learning based on their needs, and utilizing resources that resonate with their preferred learning styles. Such involvement not only cultivates critical thinking and self-advocacy skills but also prepares students to become lifelong learners who can navigate their educational journeys according to their aspirations and interests.