Joanna Krajewski thinks about student agency from a holistic perspective, using course design strategies that transform the traditional student-professor dynamic into a collaborative partnership. Students are encouraged to select course content and assignment submission options that align with their interests and personal growth needs.
Multimodal Approach to Student Empowerment in Online Learning
Getting in the flow
While anxiety can sometimes push student performance, it often hinders their learning, especially in the online environment. How can we find the right balance between challenging students to excel and providing them with adequate support? The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework offers guidance. UDL underscores the need for designing online learning environments that provide multiple ways for students to interact with course content and assignments. In essence, UDL argues that effective learning environments adapt to each learner, not vice versa. The decisions we make while designing an online course function as either a scaffold or barrier for students engaging meaningfully with ideas and with each other. Each decision is mutually reinforcing and holds the potential to energize learning for online students.
From anxiety to agency
Joanna's students take a lot of ownership over their learning. It's no accident – her course designs encourage students to make decisions. First, Joanna provides a “theoretical buffet” of readings and recorded lectures to introduce topics. She then supplements these with articles and resources for deeper exploration based on individual student interests. Joanna also records synchronous online classes to lower student anxiety about note-taking while they are actively participating in discussions. She addresses student anxiety, and enhances their agency, by offering students a choice to either record their presentation assignments or deliver them live. They can also decide whether to work on projects with a partner or individually. This allows students to select what best suits their personal growth. While they may start by working how they are most comfortable, students often challenge themselves by switching modes as the semester progresses.
“A really simple, yet powerful, step I take on day one, is to explicitly, transparently, re-frame the relationship in the classroom as one of co-collaborators. For me, explaining this on day one, really goes a long way in helping students get into that mindset of taking ownership of their learning.” – Joanna Krajewski
Design for all learners
Do you struggle with getting students to meaningfully participate in online discussions? Does anxiety about making mistakes get in the way of your students’ growth? Explore the Effective Instruction Guide for additional guidance on designing a course that accommodates all learners. Click the request a consultation button below to partner with Distance and Online Education to design on implementing strategies that reduce student anxiety and promote active learning.