9 Ways to empower students in their learning journey

Empowering students on their learning journey is more crucial today than it’s ever been. Education should be about more than just presenting information to students — it must promote critical thinking skills, emotional resilience, and independence. Using strategies focused on how to empower students helps children take an active role in their education. As teachers, it’s important to create an environment where learners thrive and develop critical life skills they’ll use forever.

Read on to learn nine actionable ways teachers can empower their students. You’ll see concrete examples, resources, and step-by-step instructions that demonstrate why empowering students is so essential. When you embrace the following methods and offer students a choice in their learning, you can cultivate a classroom culture that enhances academic performance and prepares students for future success.

1. Encourage student-directed learning

When students are in control of their learning experience in education, they gain independence and start to think critically — essential life skills that become important even beyond school. Teachers can achieve this using project-based learning, self-paced learning platforms, and a flipped classroom approach.

Ways to implement student-directed learning

1. Project-based learning: Give students a choice of topics they’re interested in that fall within curriculum guidelines. Platforms like Trello, Wix, Canva, and Adobe Express are impressive tools for project-based learning lessons. 
2. Self-paced learning platforms: Self-paced learning helps students learn at their own speed to deepen their knowledge base and further the learning process. Khan Academy, Google Forms, HyperDocs, and Coursera encourage and support self-paced learning. 
3. A flipped classroom model: The flipped classroom model is a learning approach that lets students learn new concepts and lessons independently through videos and readings. This frees up class time for interactive discussions, problem solving, and hands-on activities. Tools like Google Classroom, Edpuzzle, Padlet, and Kahoot! are great for the flipped classroom technique. 

2. Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) practices

Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps students build resilience, develop strong social skills, and improve emotional well-being. Research shows that students who participate in SEL programs see meaningful improvements in their behavior, attitudes, and academic performance. A meta-analysis of 214 programs involving over 270,000 students found that SEL participants demonstrated significantly better social skills and overall success in school.

By weaving SEL into daily classroom routines—through activities like guided discussions, role-playing, and reflective journaling—educators can create a supportive environment that fosters both emotional growth and academic achievement.

How to integrate SEL into the classroom

1. Mindfulness exercises: Start the day with short mindfulness activities to help students focus and manage stress. Use apps like Calm or Headspace for guided breathing exercises, or encourage mindful journaling to help students process their thoughts and emotions.
2. Classroom discussions: Foster open conversations about emotions and social interactions. Regularly check in with students using structured prompts like, "I feel… when… because…". Encourage questions and discussions that help students build emotional awareness and empathy.
3. Peer mediation: Teach students to resolve conflicts in constructive ways by implementing a peer mediation program. Train select students as peer mediators to guide their classmates through disputes, fostering problem-solving skills and mutual understanding. Use role-playing exercises to reinforce these skills and promote a positive classroom culture.

3. Promote student-led discussions and debates

Encouraging students to discuss relevant social and academic issues helps them develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of different perspectives. Research shows that student-led discussions not only increase engagement but also enhance academic performance.

How to facilitate student-led discussions and debates

1. Synchronous discussions: Foster real-time conversations where students can exchange ideas and ask questions. These discussions allow students to build on one another’s perspectives in a structured environment. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Padlet Live, and Flip enable interactive discussions both in and outside the classroom.
2. Structured debate: Teach students to construct evidence-based arguments and engage in respectful discourse. Debate formats like Lincoln-Douglas or Socratic seminars encourage critical thinking and logical reasoning. Tools like DebateGraph, an award-winning web platform, help students organize and visualize complex arguments.
3. Rotate discussion leaders: Give students ownership of conversations by assigning discussion leaders. These students guide dialogue, pose thought-provoking questions, and ensure that all voices are heard. Use platforms like Google Classroom or Trello to organize discussions and track participation.

Engaging topics for student-led debates

Selecting relevant and thought-provoking topics can make discussions more meaningful and engaging for students. By debating social issues and literature themes, students can develop persuasive communication skills, explore multiple perspectives, and strengthen their ability to support arguments with evidence. Below are some impactful topics to spark critical thinking and lively discussions in the classroom.

H4: Social issues

• Social media mental health
• AI and education
• Censorship vs free speech
• School dress codes
• The role of social media influencers
• Voting age
• Homework

H4: Literary themes

• Power and corruption (Animal Farm, Macbeth)
• Justice and revenge (Hamlet, To Kill a Mockingbird)
• Morality and ethics (Lord of the Flies, Frankenstein)
• The American dream (The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men)
• War and human nature (All Quiet on the Western Front)

4. Leverage technology to personalize learning

Technology provides teachers with powerful tools to cater to each student’s unique needs, giving them more autonomy over their learning journey. Research shows that incorporating technology in the classroom can boost engagement, improve access to resources, and enable personalized learning experiences.

Ways to leverage technology

1. Adaptive learning: To optimize student performance, use adaptive learning platforms that adjust content and pacing based on individual progress. These tools offer personalized feedback and skill-building opportunities, allowing students to engage with material at a level that suits them best. For instance, platforms like Khan Academy or DreamBox adapt lessons to challenge students appropriately, while Edmodo or Smart Sparrow offer tailored assessments that help track progress and provide insights into each student’s learning journey.
2. Personalized vocabulary and concept reviews: Ensure that review materials are customized to address each student's strengths and areas for improvement. Tools like Quizlet allow you to create custom flashcards for vocabulary and key concepts, ensuring students focus on the areas where they need the most practice. For a more interactive approach, use Kahoot! to create gamified quizzes that add fun to revision, or Google Forms to create differentiated review exercises that cater to different learning needs.
3. Individualized learning plans: Design academic roadmaps for each student based on their goals, learning styles, and progress. Platforms like Google Docs can be used for keeping personalized learning journals, allowing students to reflect on their goals and track their achievements. Seesaw provides a platform for creating digital student portfolios, while Notion offers a way to organize and track individualized progress in a visual, accessible format.

5. Foster a growth mindset through challenges and feedback

When students develop a growth mindset at school, they begin to see challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles. Encourage them to embrace mistakes and teach them that “getting it wrong” can build confidence and resilience in the long run. 

When giving feedback, focus more on the progress they've made rather than just the final outcome. Statements like “I noticed you were struggling with X — here’s how you can improve next time” empower students to view their efforts as part of the learning process, motivating them to take on future challenges with confidence.

How to foster a growth mindset in students

1. Frame mistakes as opportunities: Help students understand that mistakes are not failures, but valuable chances to improve. Encourage them to reflect on their mistakes and use them as learning experiences. Tools like Classroom Dojo allow students to track their progress, while Notability provides a platform for students to reflect on their learning journey and recognize areas for growth.
2. Constructive feedback: Offer feedback that is specific, actionable, and aimed at guiding students toward improvement. Rather than just pointing out what went wrong, focus on how they can get better next time. Use Google Docs for real-time feedback, Mote for voice feedback, and Kaizena for skill-based voice suggestions that provide more personalized, detailed insights into their learning process.
3. Challenge-based learning: Design activities that stretch students beyond their comfort zones while offering compassionate support if they feel challenged. These tasks not only help build resilience but also foster a sense of accomplishment. Tools like Breakout EDU encourage problem-solving, Edpuzzle promotes independent thinking, and Kahoot! adds a fun, competitive element to knowledge-based learning.

6. Create real-world connections and meaningful experiences

Connecting lessons to real-world issues makes learning more relevant, engaging, and impactful for students. When students can apply their knowledge to everyday life, they become more invested in their education. Project-based and experiential learning encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, helping students see the practical value of what they’re learning.

Consider integrating class projects where students research current events or global challenges, present their findings, and collaborate with peers. These projects encourage students to think deeply about real-world topics and their role in solving pressing issues.

Some project ideas to explore include:

• Climate change
• Social justice or advocacy efforts
• Past and present pandemics
• Healthcare disparities
• Public health awareness

Opportunities to create real-world connections

1. Project-based learning experiences: Hands-on projects allow students to address real-world challenges in meaningful ways. These projects encourage deep engagement, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving. For example, use Google Earth for geographical projects, Trello for managing project timelines and tasks, or Wakelet for organizing research and collaborating on findings.
2. Guest speakers: Bringing professionals and experts into the classroom offers students a unique opportunity to learn directly from those working in fields of interest. Guest speakers can provide real-world insights, answer students’ questions, and deepen their connection to the material. Nepris connects classrooms with industry professionals, while Zoom and Google Meet offer safe virtual platforms for interacting with experts remotely.
3. Service-learning projects: Encourage students to use their skills to develop community-based initiatives that hold personal meaning. These projects allow students to directly impact their communities and practice leadership. Platforms like iCivics help students brainstorm local issues and create actionable solutions, while DonorsChoose offers an avenue for fundraising to support projects that matter most to students.

By integrating real-world connections and meaningful experiences into the classroom, students not only gain a deeper understanding of the content but also develop a sense of responsibility and purpose.

7. Empower students to take ownership of their assessments

When students are involved in setting goals and evaluating their progress, they develop a greater sense of responsibility for their learning. Allowing them to have a choice in how they are assessed encourages self-reflection, promotes intrinsic motivation, and fosters ownership of their academic journey.

Strategies to give students ownership of their assessments

To help students take greater responsibility for their learning, consider these strategies that encourage self-reflection, collaboration, and creative expression in assessments.

1. Self-assessment tools: Encourage students to engage in self-reflection by using tools that help them identify their strengths, challenges, and areas for growth. Platforms like Google Forms can be used for reflective surveys that prompt students to think critically about their progress. Seesaw offers a digital learning portfolio where students can track and showcase their learning journey over time. Additionally, Rubistar allows teachers and students to create rubrics that clarify expectations and facilitate self-assessment.
2. Peer evaluations: Peer evaluations promote collaboration and accountability. Allowing students to assess each other’s work encourages critical thinking and helps them develop a deeper understanding of the material. Platforms like Peergrade provide structured review processes that ensure constructive feedback, while Flip (formerly Flipgrid) lets students offer video feedback, enhancing engagement and personal reflection.
3. Multiple assessment options: Give students a variety of ways to demonstrate mastery of the material. Whether it's a written report, presentation, video, or creative project, offering options empowers students to showcase their strengths. Canva supports visual storytelling, Adobe Express helps students design impactful presentations, and Book Creator allows them to compile e-portfolios that reflect their learning in creative ways.

8. Encourage collaborative learning and peer mentorship

Collaborative learning and peer mentorship foster essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. By working together, students not only articulate their ideas more clearly but also listen actively and support each other’s learning journeys, creating a more engaging and inclusive classroom environment.

How to support collaborative learning

To integrate these practices into your classroom, try incorporating activities that encourage teamwork and give students the chance to learn from and teach one another. Here are a few strategies to get started:

1. Collaborative learning structures: Small group activities are a great way to encourage teamwork and help students achieve a common goal. Tools like Padlet enable students to brainstorm ideas and collaborate visually, while Google Jamboard allows for real-time, interactive collaboration that sparks creativity and group problem-solving.
2. Pair students with peer mentors: Consider pairing advanced students with peers who may benefit from additional support. This buddy system nurtures leadership skills and fosters a sense of community. Google Classroom is perfect for private feedback, while platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack facilitate easy communication between mentors and mentees.
3. Peer-led study groups: Empower students to reinforce their learning by having them teach concepts to their peers. Study groups not only solidify knowledge but also improve communication skills. Platforms like Discord and Slack offer space for group discussions, and Quizizz provides an engaging way for students to quiz each other and test their knowledge in a fun, competitive format.

9. Support mental health to foster student success

Research shows that emotional well-being directly impacts academic success. In fact, access to mental healthcare has been linked to improved attendance, which is crucial for school success. When students feel safe, secure, and understood, they are better equipped to navigate challenges like stress, anxiety, social pressures, and personal issues—allowing them to focus on their education.

Making mental health support a priority ensures that students of all ages have the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Here are a few effective ways to integrate mental health support into your school environment and improve student mental health:

1. Regular mental health check-in routines: Providing students with a safe, low-pressure space to express their feelings is essential for promoting emotional well-being. Tools like Google Forms allow for anonymous check-ins, while the Mood Meter app helps students track their emotional awareness. ClassDojo can also facilitate open discussions on mental health in a supportive classroom setting.
2. Offer school-based mental health programs: It’s crucial to offer students easy access to mental health resources that can help them navigate challenges. Whether it’s connecting students with school counselors, offering therapy options, or making self-help resources available, ensuring that students know where to seek support is key. Platforms like Talkspace provide online therapy for students and staff, ensuring students have someone to talk to when they need it.
3. Build time for movement and mindfulness into school days: Short physical activities and relaxation techniques offer benefits like reducing stress and improving focus. GoNoodle for simple and easy-to-use guided movement exercises; breathing apps that teach students the benefits of deep breathing to calm anxiety and reduce stress. 

“Teachers can integrate mental health support for students in various ways. They can establish regular, anonymous "mental health check-ins," facilitate discussions on the importance of mental health and self-care for student success, foster a community of care by encouraging mutual support among students, and make appropriate referrals to mental health counseling services within the school or community.” - Talkspace therapist, Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

Empower students for improved well-being and academic outcomes

Empowering students with mental health support not only enhances their well-being but also leads to improved academic outcomes. Schools should aim to be more than just places for learning — they should nurture positive mental health, encourage critical thinking, and build student confidence and independence.

Even implementing a few of the strategies shared in this article can spark significant growth and development in your students. These methods can be tailored to meet each student's unique and evolving needs.

How to get started:

1. Choose one strategy to begin implementing in your classroom or school.
   
   
2. Set clear goals and define measurable benchmarks to track success.
   
   
3. Regularly collect feedback from students to understand what’s working and where you can make improvements.

For an accessible, holistic approach to student empowerment and emotional well-being, consider integrating mental health support, like the services offered by Talkspace.

Talkspace can be a valuable resource within your school, providing convenient access to therapy that supports both mental health and academic success. This leads to more engaged, resilient, and capable learners. Request a demo today and explore how Talkspace can help you empower your students for a brighter, more successful future.

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Sources:

1. Durlak, Joseph A. et al. 2011. «The Impact of Enhancing Students’ social and Emotional Learning: A Meta‐Analysis of School‐Based Universal Interventions». Child Development 82 (1) (urtarrilak 1): 405–432. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x. Accessed on March 14, 2025. 
2. Hefel, Samantha. 2020. «Impact of Student-Led Discussions on Student Engagement and Involvement». Scholarcommons.sc.edu. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7555&context=etd. Accessed on March 14, 2025.
3. Ascione, Laura. 2023. «The impact of technology on education». eSchool News. https://www.eschoolnews.com/it-leadership/2023/12/11/the-impact-of-technology-on-education/. Accessed on March 14, 2025.
4. Wiedermann, Christian J. et al. 2023. «Fortifying the Foundations: A comprehensive approach to enhancing mental health support in educational policies amidst crises». Healthcare 11 (10) (maiatzak 14): 1423. doi:10.3390/healthcare11101423. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11101423. Accessed on March 14, 2025.
5. Rosales, Betty Márquez. 2024. «Helping students with mental health struggles may help them return to school». EdSource, irailak 19. https://edsource.org/2024/helping-students-with-mental-health-struggles-may-get-them-back-to-school/717528. Accessed on March 14, 2025.

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